Democracies rely on active participation and vigilance from their citizens to function effectively. When individuals or institutions fail to respond to threats or abuses of power, democratic norms can gradually weaken. This slow erosion often goes unnoticed until significant damage has occurred.
Those who exploit democratic systems often assume others share their disregard for rules and ethics. This assumption can be a critical weakness, but if left unchallenged, it allows harmful behaviors to persist and democracy to deteriorate.
**Why this matters**
Understanding that passivity can contribute to the decline of democratic institutions highlights the importance of engagement and accountability. Recognizing and addressing threats early helps preserve democratic values and prevent authoritarian tendencies from taking root.
Source: NewsData