Global Democracy, Human Flourishing

A Kuna woman holding a mola textile, artwork unique to the indigenous people of modern Panama and Guatemala (image from Wikimedia Commons)

Democracy, at its core, is about more than just governance; it’s about creating a system where every individual’s voice is heard and considered. Democracy holds space for cultural, linguistic, and social diversity, and when communities work together, ensure these are protected and celebrated. However, democracy today faces a dual threat from rising authoritarianism and populism, both of which erode the institutions that safeguard these freedoms. The consequences of this threat are particularly dire for marginalized cultures, minority languages, and the broader fabric of human flourishing.

The Global Rise of Authoritarianism and Populism

In recent years, we've witnessed the resurgence of authoritarian regimes and populist movements that undermine democratic norms. Leaders often using the guise of national security, economic stability, or cultural homogeneity, chip away at democratic institutions. In Ethiopia, Myanmar, Eritrea, Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Guatemala, Mexico, and Nicaragua, to name a few, totalitarian and populist parties or institutions are working to undermine, harass, and persecute indigenous and minority voices.

Authoritarianism thrives on control—of thought, speech, and culture. In this environment, diversity, especially the kind of cultural and linguistic diversity that is vital to human identity, is at risk of being erased.

Populism, too, presents a particular danger to minority cultures and languages. While it may emerge from democratic systems, populism often harnesses nationalist rhetoric focusing on the interests of a perceived “majority” while scapegoating minority groups as obstacles to national unity or economic success. This exclusionary worldview encourages the marginalization of cultural and linguistic minorities, pushing them further to the edges of society.

As a quick aside, not all populism is bad. Professor Mikayla Novak’s book, Freedom in contention: social movements and liberal political economy offers great examples of this
as well as codifying types of populism and expressions of social movements.

These leaders or groups stifle free speech, curtail civil liberties, and weaken systems of checks and balances. All this is predicated on the age-old strategy of divide and conquer, working to convince one part of the population that their best hope of opportunity is to deprive another.

Movements for a single language, to impose occupational licensing or increased burdens on foreign-trained specialists like doctors and nurses, and to paint, in broad colors, entire peoples as criminal elements are but a few examples of this. And sadly, these examples are all too readily available in the materials and speeches of political movements around the world, in a year where nearly half the world heads to the polls in their respective countries.

Cultural Homogenization and the Loss of Minority Languages

One of the most significant dangers posed by the erosion of democracy is the acceleration of cultural homogenization. Authoritarian regimes and populist movements often push for monoculturalism, where one dominant culture and language are imposed upon a diverse population. The pursuit of economic advancement, often in authoritarian regimes, forces minority groups to assimilate, leaving behind their native languages and cultural practices.

As a result, minority languages, already under pressure from globalization, face even greater threats. According to UNESCO, nearly 40% of the world’s 7,000 languages are endangered. These languages aren’t just communication tools; they carry unique histories, stories, and worldviews that contribute to the richness of human existence. When a language dies, it takes with it an entire culture, a way of seeing and interacting with the world. Preserving democracy, therefore, isn’t just about protecting political freedom—it’s about safeguarding the linguistic and cultural heritage that has been passed down through generations.

Democracy as a Safeguard for Marginalized Cultures

Democracies, by design, create space for cultural pluralism and linguistic diversity. They rely on the principle of human rights and respect for all individuals, regardless of their cultural or linguistic background. In a healthy democracy, mechanisms like free press, independent courts, and civil society organizations work to ensure that no one group dominates at the expense of others. This protection extends to marginalized communities, allowing them to maintain their cultural practices and languages without fear of persecution.

A functioning democracy also supports policies that promote cultural preservation. Programs that fund the documentation of endangered languages, initiatives that promote bilingual education, and grants that support cultural organizations all thrive in democratic societies. These initiatives provide a platform for minority communities to flourish, ensuring that their voices are heard and their contributions are valued. When democratic norms are weakened, however, these policies and programs are among the first to be dismantled.

The Link Between Democracy and Human Flourishing

Democracy is about creating an environment where all people can thrive, not always equally in reality, but in principle, through their rights and their ability to be heard, whether in public comment or at the ballot box. At its heart, democracy provides the freedom for individuals to express themselves fully, to participate in shaping their society, and to pursue opportunities without fear of discrimination or repression. This freedom is essential for human flourishing.

When individuals and communities are free to maintain their languages, cultures, and traditions, they experience a sense of belonging and identity. This, in turn, enhances social cohesion, resilience, and creativity. Furthermore, diverse societies—where multiple languages, cultures, and ideas intersect—are more innovative and adaptive. They are better equipped to tackle complex global challenges, from climate change to economic inequality. Conversely, societies that suppress diversity often stagnate, as they limit the range of perspectives and solutions available to them.

Indigenous Peruvian women overlooking a city. (Photo by Diego Delso)

Protecting Democracy for Future Generations

The current threats to democracy are not just problems for today—they pose long-term dangers to future generations. If authoritarianism and populism continue to rise unchecked, future generations may inherit a world where linguistic and cultural diversity has been significantly diminished. The ability of marginalized communities to maintain their identities will be compromised, and with it, the richness of global culture.

To protect the future of global culture, minority languages, and human flourishing, we must act now to defend democracy. This means supporting democratic institutions, advocating for human rights, and opposing authoritarian and populist rhetoric. It also requires fostering a culture of inclusion where the contributions of all people—regardless of their background—are represented.

Democracy is a bedrock upon which cultural diversity, linguistic preservation, and human flourishing stand. The rise of authoritarianism and populism threatens to destabilize this foundation, putting marginalized cultures and languages at greater risk of erasure. In a world increasingly interconnected yet divided, the fight to protect democracy is more important than ever. By doing so, we not only preserve our political freedoms but also the richness and diversity that make human society vibrant and resilient. Democracy is the guardian of our collective future, and its defense is a global responsibility.

This article is part of U.S. Democracy Day, a nationwide collaborative on Sept. 15, the International Day of Democracy, in which news organizations cover how democracy works and the threats it faces. To learn more, visit usdemocracyday.org.