Last Thursday’s US presidential debate between Donald Trump and Joe Biden raised concerns about the state of democracy. The world’s most important democracy seems to be falling under the influence of a new American leader, with uncertain implications for the country and the global economy.
Recent democratic contests in the UK and France further highlight the challenges faced by democratic systems during tough times. While elections offer choices, they do not guarantee competent governance, especially in the age of social media where performance often overshadows competence.
Observers fear the consequences of Trump’s policies, threatening to disrupt the US economy and global stability. The Electoral College system and campaign funding rules in the US have also come under scrutiny, raising questions about the effectiveness of democratic principles in practice.
Despite the flaws in the democratic process, the integrity of the people in power ultimately determines good governance. The outcome of the upcoming election remains uncertain, but it is essential to reflect on the broader implications of political decisions on a global scale.
David Dodwell, CEO of Strategic Access, analyzes the challenges facing democracy in the modern world.