What is democratic backsliding?

Democratic backsliding is the process by which a country becomes less democratic over time. In recent years democracy has declined worldwide – including steep drops in some previously stable democracies.

Features of backsliding

Core to definitions of backsliding is the reduction of checks and balances on, and centralisation of power in, the governing executive (usually led by a President or Prime Minister). Key features may include:

1. a breakdown in norms of political behaviour and standards;
2. the disempowerment of the legislature, courts and independent regulators;
3. a reduction of civil liberties and media freedoms and/or
4. harm to the integrity of the electoral system.

Backsliding can happen rapidly. But recent examples have often resulted from a gradual process, led by elected leaders carrying out reforms which damage democracy.

Not all constitutional change is backsliding. Differing opinions about the arrangements and levels of checks and balances are normal in democracies. But backsliding can occur where checks and balances are systematically weakened, without counterbalancing constraints on the executive existing, or being put in place. 

How backsliding comes about 

One common route to backsliding is executive impatience at the difficulties of delivering policy change. Leaders frustrated by challenges from other constitutional actors may argue that democratic checks should be disregarded or weakened, in the name of delivery. This ultimately leads to the centralisation of power. And even if others later gain the levers of power they may be reluctant to undo the changes. 

A linked phenomenon is that of political polarisation. The rise of ‘us and them’ attitudes can increase dissatisfaction and encourage people to view opposition as illegitimate. Supporters of those in power may come to tolerate the breaking of norms or rules, and the weakening of checks and balances. Even those seeking to prevent backsliding may turn to non-democratic tactics - for example, supporting the breaking of norms in pursuit of their policy goals - risking undermining what they seek to protect.

Preventing backsliding

Once backsliding has occurred, it can be difficult to reverse; prevention is therefore key. 

This may take several forms. Democratic institutions can be designed with guardrails in place to make their disempowerment more difficult. This might include, for example, legally safeguarding their independence, or strengthening scrutiny processes.

Transparency requirements and consistent high standards of behaviour by politicians can make it easier for civil society, the media and public – as well as other politicians – to identify and resist attempts at backsliding. Measures to improve civic education and increase support for democratic institutions may also provide protection. Since changes amounting to backsliding often require the support or compliance of the legislature, parliamentarians play a particularly important role defending democratic standards. 

Backsliding in the UK

The UK generally has strong democratic norms and institutions. But no country is immune to backsliding, and concerns have been raised at points about the health of the UK’s democracy. 

The UK’s comparatively unusual constitutional arrangements – in particular the principle of parliamentary sovereignty and limited role for the courts – give MPs, especially government backbenchers, a particularly important role in strengthening and safeguarding our democracy.

Image attribution: ‘File:V-Dem Liberal Democracy Index 2026 World.svg’ by The Account 2 (CC BY-SA 4.0).