Is Democracy in Trouble? | World Economic Forum 2026

With nearly two-thirds of the world’s countries being democracies, 2024 has witnessed an extraordinary exercise of civic participation, with close to 3.7 billion people voting.

Despite that, democracies are under increasing pressure from citizens to ensure that governments deliver for all. While efforts to leverage technology and innovation are enhancing transparency, many societies continue to grapple with polarization and institutional fatigue.

As societies navigate these contrasts, how can we safeguard openness and the free exchange of ideas?

Speakers:
Hélène Landemore
Damon Wells' 58 Professor of Political Science, Yale University

Edwin Tong
Minister for Law and Second Minister for Home Affairs, Ministry of Law of Singapore

Fernando Hugo Aramayo
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bolivia

Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya
Leader of the Democratic Forces of Belarus, Office of Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya

Moderator:
Shekhar Gupta
Founder and Editor-in-Chief, ThePrint

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Video: World Economic Forum

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