The Decline of Liberal Democracy
Democracy, once seen as the cornerstone of freedom and justice, is facing a significant crisis. In Israel and many other democratic countries, public trust in democratic institutions has been steadily declining for years. This erosion of confidence shows no signs of slowing down. According to the Varieties of Democracy (V-DEM) project, out of 179 nations, 88 are classified as liberal democracies, characterized by separation of powers, an independent judiciary, human rights, individual freedoms, rule of law, and checks and balances. Meanwhile, 91 countries are autocracies, where one person holds absolute power.
This marks the first time in decades that autocracies outnumber democracies. The decline of democracy is not just a local issue but a global phenomenon, with large majorities expressing a loss of trust in democratic systems. What is causing this trend, and can it be reversed?
The Situation in Israel
In Israel, the situation has become even more alarming. On March 22, Justice Minister Yariv Levin and the entire cabinet voted unanimously to fire Attorney-General Gali Baharav-Miara. Levin refuses to recognize or work with the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, Yitzhak Amit, who was appointed legally on February 13. He claims that the attorney-general and the Supreme Court have “hijacked democracy.” This move has reignited concerns about the assault on democratic principles, especially as Israel faces a complex conflict involving multiple fronts and now confronts Iran.
The Israel Democracy Institute reported that in 2024, 54% of the Jewish public believes that democratic governance in Israel is under threat. Trust in the Knesset and political parties is at its lowest point, lower than in any other institution. Additionally, the V-DEM global democracy index noted that Israel fell out of the liberal democracy category for the first time in 50 years due to government attacks on the judiciary.
A Global Perspective
Globally, the decline of democracy is evident. A Pew Institute survey found that satisfaction with democracy dropped sharply from 2021 to 2024, with double-digit declines in six major countries: the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Germany, Greece, and South Korea. In 2024, only 31% of Americans expressed satisfaction with their democracy. Across 31 nations, 54% of people say they are dissatisfied with democracy. Not a single one of 12 economically advanced democracies saw an increase in satisfaction.
Technology as a Solution
To understand how to address these challenges, I spoke with Arie Ruttenberg, a former Technion student and experienced advisor to Israeli prime ministers. Ruttenberg highlighted that the feeling of democracy failing is not new; it has existed since the 1980s. People have long felt betrayed by politicians who make grand promises during elections but fail to deliver afterward. This pattern has led to widespread mistrust and, in some cases, a longing for strong leaders who might act differently.
Ruttenberg argues that the way we vote is outdated. For centuries, people have used primitive methods like stuffing slips of paper into ballot boxes. However, in all other aspects of life, technology has advanced significantly. He suggests that modern technology could help restore faith in democracy.
The Role of Artificial Intelligence
Artificial intelligence (AI) could play a crucial role in revitalizing democracy. Ruttenberg envisions a system where every citizen can express their needs and demands through AI tools. These tools could aggregate messages, process them, and identify the most urgent issues. This would allow citizens to feel heard and involved in the decision-making process daily, not just every four years.
Moreover, AI could ensure that every citizen’s voice is represented, not just those who regularly communicate their frustrations. A national random sample of the electorate could validate the demands generated by AI-mediated communication. Committees of experts could then translate these desires into policies and actions.
Direct Democracy and Modern Solutions
Some forms of direct democracy already exist, such as referendums in Switzerland. Technology could expand this model, allowing citizens to influence policies and solutions continuously. Elections themselves could be conducted online, using biometric IDs to ensure validity. This would make voting more accessible, especially for those with mobility issues, and reduce the costs associated with traditional voting methods.
Lessons from History
History offers valuable lessons about the fragility of democratic systems. Empires like the Roman, Ottoman, and Soviet Union collapsed due to internal instability, economic problems, and political repression. Similarly, ancient kingdoms of Israel and Judea fell due to internal divisions and conflicts. Autocratic leaders often exacerbate these issues by fostering division rather than addressing it.
The Need for Unity
In Israel, the need for unity is more critical than ever. Despite the widespread belief that “Together, we are victorious,” the nation remains divided. A key component of this glue—democracy—is being systematically undermined. Public perception of a threat to democracy is high across different segments of society.
Rejuvenating Democracy
It is time for creative thinking to rejuvenate democracy. Technology can play a vital role in restoring trust and ensuring that every citizen feels heard. By embracing modern solutions, societies can address the growing disillusionment with democratic institutions and rebuild a sense of unity and purpose.
Can we come together to save democracy and restore the cohesion that has historically enabled Israelis to endure and prevail? The answer may lie in innovation, technology, and a renewed commitment to democratic values.