Does preserving democracy come at the cost of our freedom?

Democracy seems to be under siege. If the images of the Capitol on January 6, 2021, remain etched in people’s minds, they illustrate almost too well a general feeling that democracies are in retreat. The 2022 report by the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA), for example, makes the gloomy observation that half the world’s democracies are in decline. The United States, a vibrant democracy in the 20th century, is one of the democracies in steepest decline, according to the report. Two causes can be invoked and extended to other “sick” democracies. Firstly, the shift towards security that began in 2001 has eroded freedoms. In this respect, France’s current more muscular security stance at home is perceived as a step backwards in terms of freedoms. A certain state authoritarianism in response to Covid-19 is also cited. The second reason is the rise of populism, which thrives on the multiplication of crises. Finally, cyber-wars waged by states against democracies also contribute to undermining them through the increased computer surveillance they call for. So, what are the consequences of questioning the democratic model? How can democracy be preserved? What role can civil society and international organizations play?