Core Brief: Reports of the End of the World Are Greatly Exaggerated
Yes, it looks like the end of the world - but it always does.
The world is ending, the sky is falling, it’s probably the End Times!
It’s not.
Yes, the US is in serious trouble; at best, it will lose its global hegemony status, at worst, it will also become a fascist dictatorship.
Yes, Putin is building a new Russian Empire and Europe is readying for war.
Yes, Israel is engaged in genocide (how ironic).
But . . . a democracy backsliding into dictatorship is nothing new. A shift in global power is expected. Russian aggression is the norm. Genocide has tragically been common, including in the US.
And . . . much of the world is moving in the opposite direction. Many countries are becoming democracies. China’s rise is a new kind of non-aggressive hegemony. Most nations expand their influence through cooperation and diplomacy. Genocide is rare.
What’s Happening
Across Latin America, Eastern Europe, and Africa, democracy is taking hold. Countries like Chile, Moldova, Zambia, and Taiwan are strengthening institutions, expanding civil liberties, and building more inclusive economies based on public trust and accountability.
Armenia, Fiji, Guinea-Bissau, Madagascar, Nepal, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, The Gambia, and Tunisia have all become more democratic.
In Chile, a new constitutional process is in place, driven by grassroots demands for fairness and accountability. The country rejected populist authoritarianism, and its courts and civil society remain strong. After decades of inequality, Chile is building an inclusive system.
Taiwan continues to demonstrate the strength of democratic governance, with robust elections, an independent judiciary, a strong free press, and a highly engaged civil society, despite sustained pressure from China. Taiwan stands as a model of how democracy can thrive in a geopolitically tense region.
Slovakia recently elected a pro-democracy coalition, defeating corruption-linked populists. The country is now advancing reforms in the judiciary and strengthening protections for independent media. Slovakia offers a blueprint for democratic recovery in Eastern Europe.
In Zambia, the 2021 election marked a peaceful transfer of power, with an opposition party winning without military or judicial interference. Press freedoms have improved, and electoral integrity has been reinforced. It’s one of the few African democracies moving in a distinctly positive direction.
Moldova has made democratic gains under a pro-EU leadership committed to anti-corruption and judicial reform. The government has increased scrutiny on oligarchic power and Russian influence. Moldova is actively resisting the authoritarian drift common in the post-Soviet region.
Several countries are also seeing strong economic growth from inclusive government polices, education, and increased participation.
Costa Rica combines high literacy, strong environmental protections, and universal healthcare to produce steady, long-term prosperity. It maintains one of Latin America’s highest democracy scores and demonstrates how sustainability and inclusion drive success.
In Estonia, a transparent digital government, low corruption, and high civic participation have fueled impressive growth in the high-tech and service sectors. Estonia shows how democratic innovation and economic competitiveness go hand in hand.
Botswana is leveraging its natural resources, particularly diamonds, to invest in infrastructure and education. With a strong legal system, peaceful elections, and a tradition of good governance, it remains a rare Sub-Saharan success story.
Mauritius has strong governance and GDP per capita. Its stable multiparty democracy, independent judiciary, and focus on education, healthcare, and anti-poverty programs make it a leader in inclusive policy.
Uruguay exemplifies democratic strength, with high press freedom, transparent institutions, and a strong social safety net. Its impressive equality and commitment to universal services have made it one of the most successful democracies in the Western Hemisphere.
These countries are not anomalies; they are evidence that accountability, participation, and inclusion work. They are succeeding because they are expanding equity, participation, and institutional independence.
The news that democracy is collapsing everywhere is not the reality
The Cultural Perspective
Countries rebuilding or reinforcing their democracies share common cultural traits.
Low Power Distance (Estonia, Uruguay, Costa Rica, Slovakia, Moldova, Taiwan, Botswana, Mauritius, The Gambia, Seychelles): Leaders are accountable, and challenging authority is culturally accepted.
High Long-Term Orientation (Taiwan, Estonia, Costa Rica, Mauritius, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Uruguay, Botswana): Policy and institutional design are built around pragmatism and sustainability for the long term.
Universalism and Neutral Rule of Law (Chile, Uruguay, Estonia, Botswana, Slovakia, Costa Rica, Taiwan, Mauritius, Moldova, Armenia): Laws apply consistently, regardless of personal connections or political status.
Collectivist or Community-Oriented Frameworks (Zambia, Costa Rica, Taiwan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Guinea-Bissau, Madagascar, The Gambia, Fiji, Tunisia): Public services and national cohesion are prioritized over elite interests.
Why It Matters
The US has an enormous impact on the world, but it is one of about 200 nations, four percent of the world’s population - it is not the world. The sky may be falling in America and Palestine, and darkening Europe, but in other nations, the sun is shining brightly. Accountability, inclusion, and peace are strengthening or just continue to be the norm.
Since World War II, peace, inclusion, and prosperity in the world’s nations increased and then plateaued. Since then, there have been ups and downs as nations shift from democracy to authoritarianism and authoritarianism to democracy. This has been the case for almost 30 years.
So no, it’s not the end of the world.
The truth is far more balanced and far more hopeful. While one superpower sinks into dictatorship and oblivion, dozens of nations are moving forward. While some fall into fear and control, others rise through equity and resilience.
The story of our time isn’t the end of the world. It’s, yawn, a turn of the page in the history book.
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Thanks for a broader perspective, Way! Hard to see the sunshine when you're standing in the rain....
Agreed, it is a difficult time, particularly in the US. Most transition periods are, but most transitions are the step into a better, brighter future, and I genuinely believe that is the case now.