The Making or Breaking of Democracy - Joseph Stiglitz
Oct 2, 2025
Joseph E. Stiglitz
The rise of authoritarian leaders like US President Donald Trump shows that too many of us took democracy, and the prosperity it generates, for granted. Now, a growing movement of democratic countries is coming together to push back on the dangerous trend that Trump represents.
NEW YORK – On September 24, 20 democratic countries from the Global North and South – including Brazil, Chile, Norway, and Spain – came together at the United Nations not just to reaffirm their commitment to democracy, but to develop an agenda which would sustain and enrich it.
The membership of this group, Democracia Siempre (Democracy Always), has increased enormously since it first met a year ago. The group’s growth reflects its members’ recognition that democratic backsliding is gathering pace around the world. This is particularly true in the country that has often claimed to be the oldest and strongest democracy: the United States, where Donald Trump has waged a sustained attack on the constitutional order since returning to the White House in January.
Both within countries and internationally, the rule of law is being trampled, leading to rampant corruption, violations of basic human rights and due process, and systematic erosion of institutions. Longstanding safeguards for our liberties and well-being are being dismantled before our eyes, with academic, press, and other freedoms under attack.
https://www.project-syndicate.org/commentary/democracia-siempre-countering-democratic-backsliding-by-joseph-e-stiglitz-2025-10?referral=5a93cf&sh=9ZL3Ua15RQuSp%2BPJFXeGzzpFhIKGiITOZzXLiuw52jgKi6HfM6rtWt%2B8d4YtfDlUyj75mYHif0HOHErr0EHQlQ%3D%3D