Why The Economist supports democracy

This week’s Economist has an outstanding article on Freedom House’s 2010 edition of Freedom in the World.

Freedom House…in its latest annual assessment that liberty and human rights had retreated globally for the fourth consecutive year. It said this marked the longest period of decline in freedom since the organisation began its reports nearly 40 years ago.

The author (I have no idea who because The Economist does not carry bylines), goes on to discuss the various causes of the latest democratic recession: Continue reading »

Democratic decline, Filipino style

Today’s attack on local opposition supporters in the Philippines is a chilling reminder of what Freedom House’s Arch Puddington called the global “decline in freedom” – for three straight years, Freedom House has measured a net drop in democratic indicators around the world. The Philippines is just one example; five years ago, this country rated as “Free,” but today the New York Times reports the abduction of 40 people who were on their way to file gubernatorial election candidacy papers in the province of Maguindanao. Up to 30 have been killed, most of them women, including the wife and sister of the candidate. While this is the most brutal single attack in recent history, it is indicative of a trend of extrajudicial killings and impunity in this once-impressive democracy. With cases like this, it seems unlikely the global democratic deficit will be making a strong about-face anytime soon.