Global Scans · Democracy · Weekly Summary

• Many fear Bukele's grip on power will further erode democracy in El Salvador and push the Central American country to authoritarianism. Democracy Now!
• Three other African countries expected to be in the top 10 of highest growth economies are the Democratic Republic of Congo, Cote d'Ivoire and Ethiopia. Business Insider Africa
• Wind potential is widely distributed across countries even with socio-environmental protections, although in Angola, Mozambique, and the Democratic Republic of Congo wind potential is limited to smaller areas due to either low wind speeds and/or extensive forest cover. Nature
• Large democracies will hold elections in 2024, including the U.S., the EU, Mexico, South Korea, India, Pakistan, Indonesia and South Africa. National Law Review
• Loncor Gold Inc. is on track to unlock the full potential of its Adumbi project in the Democratic Republic of Congo, a high-grade gold deposit that could rival some of the world's largest mines. The African Miner
• In the United States, the potential re-election of Donald Trump threatens the sole existence of the multilateral system and further jeopardizes democratic values. Carnegie Europe
• Democracy faces challenges around the globe in 2024: at least 64 countries will ask their citizens to elect a government in 2024. The Conversation
• The hard-Right Identity and Democracy Group, which includes Marine Le Pen's RN and the Alternative for Germany party, could go from being the fifth to the third-largest bloc in the EU parliament in 2024, which experts warn could weaken support for net zero in the European Parliament. The Telegraph
• In the case of a Democratic administration, expect that the United States will continue to prioritize labour issues under the Rapid Response Labour Mechanism, a dispute settlement provision in the USMCA. Atlantic Council
• Should voters choose illiberal paths in the majority of democracies holding elections in 2024, there is considerable risk of serious and lasting damage to the democratic project around the world. Atlantic Council
• The 2024 Lok Sabha elections will be the last opportunity to save democracy in India, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi may prefer dictatorship if his party wins. Mint
• The coming year will be a major test of democratic rule as an estimated 4 billion people in more than 50 nations - almost half the world's population - are set to vote in elections. Fabuk Magazine
• State threats include physically threatening UK citizens; interfering in democratic institutions; seeking to sow discord; disrupting or destroying critical assets; and stealing sensitive information from government and the private sector. GOV.UK
• As the European People's Party and Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats continue their trend of losing seats, the largest gains are expected to be made by the European Conservatives and Reformists and the populist, radical right Identity and Democracy group. www.euractiv.com
• Commitments in the U.S. on climate action will accelerate - along with commitments to democracy and the protection of human rights. MIT Sloan Management Review
• Political polarization is another area Sefiani believes will impact brands as democracy faces its 'biggest test', with over four billion people voting in upcoming elections held in the United States, India, Indonesia, the United Kingdom, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Mexico, and the European Union. AMI
• With so many elections taking place, the risks that AI will unsettle information flows and manipulate democratic processes are significant, from the US to India. Engineering News
• Speaking of China, the latest elections in Taiwan saw the ruling Democratic Progressive Party pull off a historic third consecutive presidential victory as voters disregarded warnings by China that their re-election would increase the risk of conflict. FirstPost
• Taiwan is a democracy of 23 million people, facing continuous cross-Strait threats from Beijing, which views Lai Ching-te as an ardent separatist. The Soufan Center
• Billions are expected to vote in elections in 2024 - including for the EU Parliament, India, Mexico, South Africa, Pakistan, the UK and the US - but fears are mounting that mis - and disinformation could undermine the democratic voting process and lead to civil unrest. Global Trade Review (GTR)
• Dozens of elections will take place in 2024, and global democracy will face unprecedented risks, presented by disinformation and political violence, threatening the rights and services of children. UN News
• In India, the upcoming elections will be marked by a crackdown on civil liberties as well as a restriction of political space for people with disabilities in the world's largest democracy. Westminster Foundation for Democracy
• The European Union has devised the world's first comprehensive AI rules ahead of a busy election year, with AI-powered misinformation and disinformation the biggest risk to the global economy as it threatens to erode democracy and polarize society. AI is the buzz, the big opportunity and the risk

Last updated: 11 February 2024