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Politics
Nisha Bellinger, Associate Professor of Political Science and Global Studies, Boise State University

Many once-democratic countries continue to backslide, becoming less free – but their leaders continue to enjoy popular support

Turkey President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has been in power since 2003 and has tried to strengthen the executive branch during that time. AP Photo/Lefteris Pitarakis

Democracy is decreasing globally – and has been doing so for the last 17 years, according to 2023 findings published by the nonprofit group Freedom House, which advocates for democracy.

These leaders’ generous public spending on key constituencies and effective promotion of nationalism are two reasons why they remain popular.

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