Democracy in Danger

More than half the people on the planet live in countries that will hold nationwide elections in 2024. This is the first time this milestone has been reached. Based on recent patterns of voter turnout, close to 2 billion people in more than 70 countries will head to the polls. Ballots will be cast from Britain to Bangladesh, from India to Indonesia. Yet what sounds like it should be a triumphant year for democracy will be the opposite.

Many elections will entrench illiberal rulers. Others will reward the corrupt and incompetent. By far the most important contest, America’s presidential election, will be so poisonous and polarising that it will cast a pall over global politics. Against a backdrop of conflict, from Ukraine to the Middle East, America’s future direction - and with it the world order American leadership has hitherto underwritten–will be on the line. It will be a nerve-racking and dangerous year.