Source: The post Modern despotism is quietly replacing true democracy has been created, based on the article “Fifty years after Emergency, the new threats to democracy” published in “Indian Express ” on 25th June 2025
UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper2- Constitution of India —historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure.
Context: The global rise of a new type of despotism is triggered by increasing instability, including geopolitical rivalries, economic disruptions, and citizen unrest. This modern despotism, seen across diverse countries, challenges the foundations and promises of democratic governance by cleverly manipulating public support rather than relying solely on repression.
Understanding Modern Despotism
- Defining Despotism Clearly: Despotism is often confused with authoritarianism or autocracy, but it uniquely relies on voluntary servitude rather than force alone. Despots manipulate populations skillfully, generating loyalty through sophisticated political and social strategies.
- Methods of Control: Modern despots use seduction, deception, and calibrated violence. Their dominance depends significantly on rigged elections, patronage, financial incentives, legal manipulation, and a constant portrayal as protectors of the people against imagined threats.
- Social Base of Despotism: Despotism effectively cultivates support among various societal segments, including middle classes, workers, and poorer populations, ensuring widespread subservience.
Global Spread and Contagion
- Despotism as a Contagious Phenomenon: This form of rule is contagious, spreading through mutual admiration and alliances between despotic leaders globally. These relationships reinforce despotic practices, normalizing authoritarian behavior internationally.
- Exemplifying Global Alliances: Donald Trump’s 2025 West Asia tour illustrates despotic camaraderie. Trump received elaborate welcomes in Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Qatar, underscored by extravagant ceremonies, lucrative business deals, defense contracts, nuclear energy collaborations, and luxury gifts, symbolizing solidarity among despots.
Consequences for Democracy
- Undermining Democratic Freedoms: Despotism threatens fundamental democratic principles by eroding accountability and transparency. Such flamboyant demonstrations of power and unity among despots signal a clear risk to the values underpinning democratic societies.
- Reasserting Democratic Values: True democracy involves more than free elections; it safeguards against abuses of power. Democracy insists no authority is permanent or beyond scrutiny, serving as a vital mechanism for preventing societal harm by holding power accountable.
Historical Lessons and Relevance
- Learning from the Past: Historical resistance to authoritarian rule, such as opposition to Indira Gandhi’s Emergency (1975-77), exemplifies democracy’s protective role. Democracy acts as an early-warning system, alerting citizens to potential threats from unchecked power.
- Democracy as Reality Check: Democracy ensures power remains grounded and transparent. It counters the illusions and excesses of despotic rule by continually challenging the misuse of authority, thus preserving societal integrity and individual dignity.
Question for practice:
Examine how modern despotism uses democratic tools and public support to undermine the principles of democracy.
