Dr. Muhammad Akram Zaheer
Democracies rarely collapse through abrupt coups or military interventions in the contemporary world. Instead, the decline of democratic governance is often a gradual process marked by the weakening of democratic institutions, the erosion of civil liberties and the rise of hybrid regimes that blend democratic and authoritarian elements. In such cases, democratic structures remain formally intact, yet elections lose their credibility, opposition parties face systemic disadvantages and the rule of law becomes compromised. Scholars have warned that the United States, long considered a bastion of democracy, has exhibited symptoms of democratic backsliding in recent years, following trends observed in other nations that have experienced democratic decay. This essay examines the structural conditions that have facilitated democratic backsliding in the U.S., the role of political polarization, the impact of institutional weaknesses and the potential pathways for restoring democratic integrity.
The erosion of democratic norms in the United States did not begin with the rise of former President Donald Trump, although his tenure accelerated existing trends. Political conflict has been intensifying since the late 20th century, as partisan divisions have deepened and governing institutions have become increasingly gridlocked. The shift from consensus-driven policymaking to zero-sum political competition can be traced to the 1980s, when party leaders prioritized ideological purity over legislative compromise. The Republican Party’s takeover of Congress in 1994, fueled by a strategy of obstruction and confrontation, marked a turning point in partisan escalation.By the early 2000s, ideological polarization had become more entrenched, with the Republican Party, in particular, rewarding candidates who embraced extremist positions. The rise of the Tea Party movement further exacerbated this trend, as grassroots activists mobilized around anti-government sentiment, economic nationalism and cultural conservatism. Wealthy donors and interest groups, such as the Koch network, played a significant role in reshaping the Republican Party by supporting candidates who prioritized deregulation, tax cuts and a rollback of social protections.The convergence of these forces created an environment in which political competition was no longer about governance but about ideological dominance and partisan survival.A certain degree of polarization is natural in democratic societies, as it allows voters to choose between distinct policy agendas. However, excessive polarization can be detrimental when it leads political factions to view their opponents as existential threats rather than legitimate competitors. Comparative political scholars have identified a dangerous threshold at which polarization transforms into a form of democratic erosion, often aligning with deeper societal cleavages such as race, religion and economic inequality. In the U.S., the historical legacy of racial exclusion has exacerbated partisan divisions, with political competition increasingly revolving around identity-based conflicts. Over the past few decades, partisan identities have hardened, making bipartisan cooperation nearly impossible. Political psychologists have observed that individuals who strongly identify with either party are more likely to view their opponents as morally corrupt and untrustworthy. This form of social polarization generates heightened emotional responses, such as fear, anger and resentment, which further radicalize political discourse. The consequences of this dynamic became evident in the lead-up to the 2020 election, as disinformation campaigns, conspiracy theories and allegations of electoral fraud fueled public distrust in democratic processes.
Democratic backsliding is not always accompanied by the outright dismantling of institutions; instead, it often involves their subtle manipulation. In the U.S., the Republican Party has engaged in tactics that undermine democratic principles while maintaining a façade of constitutional legitimacy. These include gerrymandering, voter suppression and judicial appointments designed to entrench partisan advantages. For instance, the refusal to consider President Obama’s Supreme Court nominee in 2016, followed by the rushed confirmation of a conservative justice in 2020, highlighted the extent to which institutional norms had been subordinated to partisan interests.One of the most alarming aspects of recent democratic decline in the U.S. is the growing acceptance of political violence. Surveys conducted in early 2020 revealed that a majority of Republican voters believed that the “traditional American way of life” was under existential threat, with a significant portion expressing support for extralegal measures to preserve it. This rhetoric culminated in the January 6th, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol, an event that starkly illustrated the fragility of American democracy. Rather than unequivocally condemning the insurrection, numerous Republican lawmakers downplayed its significance, reinforcing narratives of electoral fraud and illegitimacy.Despite these challenges, certain aspects of the American political system have demonstrated resilience in the face of democratic erosion. The decentralized nature of election administration, for example, has served as a safeguard against large-scale electoral manipulation. State and local officials, irrespective of partisan affiliation, played a crucial role in ensuring the integrity of the 2020 election. Moreover, the judiciary, while increasingly politicized, has not entirely abandoned its role as a check on executive overreach. Courts at various levels dismissed numerous baseless lawsuits seeking to overturn election results, reaffirming the rule of law.Another underappreciated component of democratic resilience is the administrative state. Bureaucratic institutions, often maligned as inefficient or unaccountable, provide stability and continuity, even amid political turmoil. The public service sector has functioned as a bulwark against authoritarian tendencies by maintaining essential governance functions and resisting efforts to politicize its operations. However, public confidence in government institutions remains low, a vulnerability that can be exploited by populist leaders seeking to delegitimize democratic norms.Restoring democratic integrity in the U.S. will require systemic reforms and a renewed commitment to democratic principles by political elites and civil society. Some proposed reforms include abolishing the Electoral College, restructuring congressional representation and instituting campaign finance reforms to limit the influence of wealthy donors. While these structural changes face significant obstacles, more immediate steps can be taken to protect democratic institutions. These include strengthening voting rights protections, enhancing transparency in electoral processes and fostering bipartisan initiatives aimed at depolarizing political discourse. Ultimately, the survival of democracy depends not only on institutional reforms but also on the political culture that sustains it. Efforts to rebuild trust in democratic institutions must address the underlying social and economic grievances that fuel polarization. Civic education, media literacy programs and initiatives promoting cross-party dialogue can play a vital role in mitigating extremist tendencies and fostering a more constructive political environment. The United States is at a critical juncture, where the future of its democratic system hangs in the balance.
The historical precedents suggest that democratic institutions can withstand periods of political turmoil, the current trajectory of polarization and institutional manipulation poses significant risks. Recognizing the warning signs of democratic backsliding is the first step toward addressing the challenges ahead. Through institutional reforms, civic engagement and a commitment to democratic principles, the U.S. can reverse its course and reaffirm its status as a functioning democracy. The stakes are high and the coming years will determine whether the nation can withstand the forces that threaten to undermine its democratic foundation.
