DEMOCRATIC BACKSLIDING IN EMERGING ECONOMIES: ANALYZING THE STRUCTURAL, POLITICAL, AND SOCIAL FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO DEMOCRATIC EROSION

Abstract

Democratic backsliding has emerged as a significant challenge to democratic systems worldwide, particularly in emerging economies. This article analyzes the structural, political, and social factors that contribute to the erosion of democracy in these economies, emphasizing the complex interplay between domestic political conditions, social dynamics, and international influences. Emerging economies often experience a delicate balance between democratization and the temptation for authoritarianism, with critical consequences for governance, public trust, and societal resilience. Through an examination of case studies, theoretical frameworks, and empirical data, this study explores how economic disparities, political instability, and social polarization catalyze democratic backsliding. The research also examines the role of populist leaders, institutional decay, and media manipulation in facilitating the retreat from democratic norms. This paper contributes to the growing body of literature on democratic decline and offers recommendations for strengthening democratic institutions in the face of rising authoritarianism.