Source: Matilda Lane-Rose: Why Australia’s answer to Greta Thunberg is facing years behind bars.
Corruption, oligarchs, corporate pandering, fascism.
Western democracies are not monolithic and have different degrees of corruption, corporate influence, oligarchic power and fascist tendencies. However, some general trends can be observed:
- Corruption: According to the Corruption Perceptions Index by Transparency International, Western democracies have varying levels of corruption, ranging from very low (such as Denmark, Finland and New Zealand) to high (such as Greece, Italy and Romania). Corruption can take many forms, such as bribery, nepotism, embezzlement, fraud, money laundering and tax evasion. Corruption undermines the rule of law, erodes public trust and hampers economic development.
- Corporate pandering: Many Western democracies have been captured by corporate interests, who use their money and influence to shape policies and regulations in their favor. This can lead to a weakening of environmental, labor and consumer protections, as well as a widening of income and wealth inequality. Corporate pandering can also distort the media landscape, creating echo chambers and misinformation. Corporate pandering is often facilitated by the legal doctrine of corporate personhood, which grants corporations the same rights as human beings.
- Oligarchs: Oligarchs are wealthy individuals who wield disproportionate political and economic power. They often have ties to organized crime, foreign governments or extremist groups. Oligarchs can use their resources to buy politicians, media outlets, think tanks and NGOs, as well as to fund campaigns, lobby groups and social movements. Oligarchs can also exploit tax havens, offshore accounts and shell companies to hide their assets and evade taxes. Oligarchs pose a threat to democracy by undermining accountability, transparency and representation.
- Fascism: Fascism is a political ideology that promotes nationalism, authoritarianism, militarism and xenophobia. Fascism rejects democracy, pluralism and human rights, and glorifies violence, hierarchy and obedience. Fascism often arises in times of crisis, when people feel disillusioned, insecure and angry. Fascism can appeal to those who feel marginalized, alienated or oppressed by the status quo. Fascism can also exploit the fears and prejudices of the majority against minorities or outsiders. Fascism can manifest itself in various forms, such as neo-Nazism, white supremacy or religious fundamentalism.
These are some of the challenges that Western democracies face. However, there are also many examples of resistance, reform and renewal in Western democracies. There are movements and organizations that fight for social justice, human rights, environmental protection and democratic participation. There are citizens and activists who expose corruption, challenge corporate power, resist oligarchy and oppose fascism. There are also institutions and mechanisms that uphold the rule of law, protect civil liberties, ensure accountability and foster dialogue.
Western democracies are not perfect, but they are not doomed either. They have the potential to overcome their problems and improve their performance. The future of Western democracy depends on the actions and choices of its people.