The spread of democracy, liberal economies and the rule of law are in decline Flashcards
LOA
Introduction → key definitions
A liberal economy is characterised by free markets, minimal government intervention, and the protection of private property. The aim is to maximise economic growth and innovation by allowing market forces to operate with limited state interference.
The rule of law is the principle that all individuals and institutions, including the government, are subject to and accountable under the law. It ensures that laws are applied consistently and fairly, protecting citizens from arbitrary power.
Democracy is a system of government in which political power is vested in the people, either
directly or through elected representatives.
P1: Liberal economies
For →
Since the 2008 financial crisis, liberal economies have arguably declined, with their flaws exposed and alternatives gaining prominence.
The crisis damaged the global credibility of liberal economies, once promoted by the US and IGOs as the ideal path to prosperity.
It sparked disillusionment with neoliberalism, as deregulated markets were seen to have failed ordinary citizens and worsened inequality.
In the US, the top 1% earned 20% of national income by 2020, up from 10% in 1980.
Governments had to intervene in markets, e.g. the US’s $700 billion TARP bailout, showing the need for state regulation.
Economic hardship from the crisis increased support for populist, anti-globalisation movements critical of free markets.
Trump’s 2016 victory marked a shift towards protectionism—tariffs on $360 billion of Chinese goods and US withdrawal from NAFTA.
In the UK, economic grievances (stagnant wages, inequality) drove Brexit, weakening support for liberal economic models.
China’s rise under state-managed capitalism offers a successful alternative to free-market liberalism.
Its blend of state control and market mechanisms has made China the second-largest global economy.
The success of China’s model, backed by initiatives like the BRI, undermines the idea that neoliberalism is the only route to growth.
What are the three debate themes?
- Liberal economies
- The rule of law
- Democracy
P1: Liberal economies
Against →
It can be argued that liberal economies aren’t in decline, as they remain dominant and continue to drive global growth.
The US, EU, and Japan still rely heavily on free-market capitalism, promoting innovation and competition.
9 of the world’s top 10 economies by GDP are liberal economies, with strong interdependence through trade and multinational corporations.
The deep integration of global supply chains suggests these countries are unlikely to abandon free-market principles.
In Asia, liberal economic policies have lifted over 1.2 billion people out of extreme poverty between 1990 and 2015, according to the World Bank.
Global economic institutions still promote liberal economic models.
The IMF and World Bank condition their loans on the adoption of market-oriented reforms.
For example, Greece’s 2010 IMF bailout required austerity measures like public sector cuts and pension reforms.
The WTO upholds liberal economic principles by promoting free trade and resolving trade disputes.
All major economies are members of the WTO and generally comply with its rules, reinforcing the liberal economic order.
P2: The rule of law
For →
The rule of law has seen significant decline over the past decade, both in long-established democracies and due to the rising power of authoritarian regimes.
In Western democracies, the rise of populism has led to attacks on judicial independence and democratic checks.
In Poland, the Law and Justice Party has undermined judicial independence by replacing judges and altering the constitutional court.
In Turkey, Erdoğan has cracked down on media freedom, arresting journalists and shutting down independent outlets.
After post-Cold War improvements, judicial institutions and respect for legal norms have weakened globally.
This trend extends beyond Europe—leaders in the Philippines, Brazil, and India have similarly threatened the rule of law.
China and Russia have used their legal systems to suppress dissent and solidify internal control.
Both states also use their UN Security Council vetoes to block international efforts to uphold human rights, e.g., on China’s treatment of Uyghurs and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The decline has been worsened by the US’s loss of moral authority during the War on Terror.
The US used torture, indefinite detention at Guantanamo Bay, and invasive surveillance, weakening its ability to defend the rule of law globally.
P2: The rule of law
Against →
Still strong in many democracies (e.g. US, Europe, Asia) where legal systems protect rights and uphold accountability.
In the US, Trump’s 2020 election denial failed due to strong courts and institutions.
IGOs like the ECHR and ICC enforce rule of law globally.
ECHR: Citizens can challenge states on rights violations.
Oliari v Italy (2015) – Italy’s ban on same-sex unions ruled unlawful, forcing legal reform.
ICC: Tries war crimes when states don’t act.
Thomas Lubanga (2012) – convicted for using child soldiers in Congo, setting global precedent.
P3: Democracy
For →
Democratic backsliding is increasing globally, driven by rising populism and authoritarianism.
US efforts to promote democracy in the 2000s failed:
Iraq saw weak democratic institutions and sectarian violence.
Afghanistan’s democratic institutions collapsed with the Taliban’s return in 2021.
Populist leaders have weakened democratic systems:
In India, Modi has been criticised for suppressing dissent and targeting religious minorities.
In Hungary, Orbán has weakened media, packed courts, and undermined fair elections.
The rise of Russia, China, and Iran has formed a non-democratic alliance challenging US influence and global democratic promotion.
P3: Democracy
Against →
Democracy remains the most common form of governance globally, with over 60% of nations holding regular elections.
In countries like Western Europe, Canada, Japan, and Australia, democratic institutions remain strong, with free press, civil liberties, and political participation.
Some countries that experienced populism in the 2010s have since elected liberal leaders who support democratic values:
In 2020, Joe Biden was elected in the US, pledging to restore trust in democracy, protect voting rights, and combat disinformation.
In 2022, Brazil elected Lula, a left-wing leader who focused on environmental protection, social equity, and rebuilding democratic institutions after Bolsonaro.
IGOs like the UN and EU continue to actively promote democracy worldwide:
The UN provides electoral support missions, such as its work in Iraq in 2021 to support fair elections.
The EU supports global democracy through its European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights, aiding countries like Tunisia post-Arab Spring with democratic development and civil society support.
Overall argument
Overall, democracy, liberal economies, and the rule of law have declined since their peak in the 1990s post-Cold War era.
These systems have weakened in multiple countries and lost global credibility.
The 2008 financial crisis severely damaged the image of liberal economies and created conditions (economic hardship, inequality) that fueled the rise of right-wing populism.
Populism in Western democracies has undermined both democratic institutions and the rule of law.
At the same time, China and Russia have risen as revisionist powers, openly rejecting liberal democratic norms.
These powers challenge the idea that free-market liberalism is the only successful path to development, offering alternative authoritarian-capitalist models.
