Democracy Under Scrutiny: Unpacking the Causes and Consequences of Democratic Dissatisfaction

Why are citizens increasingly dissatisfied with democracy, and what does this mean for the future of democratic governance? This book investigates the causes and consequences of democratic dissatisfaction throughout different Western and non-Western countries. By examining a wide range of cases it explores how factors such as polarization, populism, and the erosion of trust in democratic institutions are driving this discontent—and how these forces differ across various political contexts. Offering a mixture of case studies, comparative analyses, and large N statistical analyses, the book explores the drivers of democratic dissatisfaction across different countries and examines the consequences for political participation, electoral outcomes, and institutional legitimacy. It provides a global analysis of how citizens' trust in democracy shapes its stability. Covering all major regions of the world, this book uncovers the troubling trends of declining democratic quality and examines the potential long-term risks for global democratic stability. An essential reading for scholars, policymakers, and anyone concerned about the future of democracy, this book offers a comprehensive framework for understanding the challenges of modern democratic governance.