For the first time since 2004, the Bertelsmann Transformation Index (BTI) has recorded more autocratic states than democracies around the world: “This is the worst political transformation result we have ever measured.”
For the first time since 2004, the Bertelsmann Transformation Index (BTI) has recorded more autocratic than democratic states. Of the 137 developing and transition countries examined, only 67 are still considered democracies. The number of autocracies has increased to 70.
“This is the worst political transformation result we have ever measured in the 15 years of our work,” says Hauke Hartmann, BTI project manager at the Bertelsmann Foundation. This is due to the fact that around the world there are fewer free and fair elections, less freedom of opinion and assembly, as well as increasing erosion of the separation of powers.
The report also includes findings about Turkey. In his assessment to Deutsche Welle (DW), Hartmann said, “Turkey has lost the most in the last ten years under President [Recep Tayyip] Erdogan, who actually started out as a beacon of hope. The separation of powers and participation are so limited there that two years ago we had to classify Turkey as an autocracy. Unfortunately, this assessment hasn’t changed since.”
The main drivers of autocracies
According to Hartmann, the reasons why autocratic systems strength and democratic norms erode are political and economic elites who want to protect their clientelist and corrupt system.
“In the majority of the 137 countries we examined, we are dealing with a political system based on pseudo-participation and an economic system that distorts competition and prevents economic and social participation.” main drivers are the political and economic elites who want to preserve the corrupt system due to favor and corruption: “In most of the 137 states we examined, we are faced with a political system based on relative social participation and an economic system that distorts competition and hinders economic and social participation. we are across.”
Despite the worldwide trend towards more autocracy, Hartmann also continues to believe that most people long for freedom and co-determination.
“Take the courageous stand up for free elections in Belarus, civil society solidarity in Lebanon, the fight against military dominance in Sudan or the protest against the coup in Myanmar. These people don’t just go to any demonstration, they risk their lives for a better society at stake.”
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