Global Rise of Authoritarianism

Numerous challenges are inherent to authoritarian regimes, which significantly hinder the democratic process and the protection of fundamental human rights. In an alarming shift from the rule-based order that once defined international relations, we are witnessing the rise of a new norm where states prioritise their interests, often at the expense of democracy and individual freedoms. This trend is fertile ground for the emergence of authoritarian regimes—governments that concentrate power in the hands of a few, stifling dissent and curtailing liberties. As political leaders like Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, President Vladimir Putin, and even President Donald Trump wield power with little regard for opposition or accountability, we must confront critical questions: What’s the real cost of authoritarianism? Has the world descended into an era of unchecked power without fear of repercussions? Are we witnessing the dawn of a new world governance paradigm, or can we reclaim the ideals of the rule-based order established after WWII?

Authoritarian governments impose severe restrictions on political dissent, free speech, and assembly, stifling diverse voices and public discourse. Extensive human rights violations, including arbitrary detention, torture, and extrajudicial killings, often accompany this repression. The absence of checks and balances enables corruption and the misappropriation of public resources, as policy decisions favour political allies over the broader population, leading to social unrest. To maintain control, these regimes manipulate information through state-controlled media and internet censorship, limiting access to independent news and fostering an environment of misinformation. The lack of political inclusion can deepen social divisions, particularly among marginalized groups, potentially catalyzing widespread unrest that might escalate into violence. While authoritarian control relies on repression, this strategy is inherently unstable. Growing public discontent can lead to protests or revolutions, destabilizing the region and prompting international condemnation and sanctions. Such isolation hinders national development and complicates a regime’s interaction with the global community, creating further challenges for both the government and its citizens.

The emergence of authoritarian behaviour among world leaders has become a matter of increasing scholarly concern across various global contexts. In numerous nations, elected officials have progressively consolidated their authority, thereby undermining the integrity of democratic institutions and electoral processes. A salient example of this phenomenon is Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s revocation of Articles 370 and 35A, actions that have had significant ramifications for the Kashmiri populace. These measures have been associated with an alarming contraction of press freedoms, the implementation of restrictions on civil liberties, and the systematic marginalization of opposition factions that challenge governmental authority. Strategies involving propaganda and misinformation campaigns are central to the policies enacted under Modi’s administration. This environment of repression is further exemplified by the arrests of numerous opposition leaders, indicative of a broader trend toward suppressive governance. Several factors have been identified as contributing to this authoritarian trajectory, including heightened political polarization and pervasive social unrest. Such conditions frequently lend justification to leaders who undertake authoritarian measures, framing them as necessary for the preservation of national stability or security. In Modi’s specific case, his authoritarian inclinations appear to be particularly shaped by a polarized political dynamic regarding minority groups, notably Muslims, and a more extensive abrogation of minority rights. This dynamic became increasingly evident during his recent military engagement with Pakistan, eliciting significant domestic criticism. This context underscores the intricate interplay between political ideology and the erosion of democratic norms within the framework of contemporary governance.