Democratic countries. Full democracy. World Ranking for Democracy

In the history of the formation of any state there are examples of people who fought for the freedom of the people, equality before the law and the culture of government. Democratic order was established in different countries in its own way. A lot of scientists and researchers have been thinking over the definition of democracy.

They looked at this term from the political point of view, and from the philosophical point of view. And they were able to give an empirical description of various practices. Nevertheless, the theory did not always bear fruit. Most often, the concept was influenced by the practice of states. Thanks to it, it was possible to establish and create normative models of a democratic system. Today in political science it is difficult to find a single definition of a particular concept. Therefore, before we know which democratic countries have remained on the world map, we will deal with general terms.

Power to the people

Democracy is an ancient Greek term, literally interpreted as "the power of the people". In political science this concept denotes a regime, the basis for which is the adoption of a collective decision. In this case, the effect on each member should be equal.

In principle, this method is applicable to a variety of organizations and structures. But the most important of its applications to this day is the state. This is due to the fact that the state has great power, and therefore organize it and cope with it is difficult.

So, democratic countries in this aspect should be characterized by the following signs:

• Implementation of people by honest and mandatory elections of their leader.
• The legitimate source of power is the people.
• Self-management of society is for the sake of satisfying interests and establishing common good in the country.

Each member of the society has its own rights, which are necessary to ensure people's rule. Democracy is often referred to as a whole range of values, which is a "litmus test" in political experiments:

• Equality, both political and social.
• Freedom.
• Legitimacy;
• Human rights.
• Right to self-determination, etc.

Inaccuracies

That's where the inaccuracies begin. The ideal of democracy is difficult to achieve, so the interpretation of "democracy" varies. Since the 18th century, there have appeared types, more precisely, models of this regime. The most famous is direct democracy. This model assumes the decision of citizens through consensus or by subordinating the minority to the majority.

Nearby you can indicate a representative democracy. This type assumes the decision of the people through elected deputies or other persons who have certain positions. In this case, these people make a choice, based on the opinion of those who trusted them, and then they are responsible for the result before them.

What were you fighting for?

One must understand that such a political regime as democracy works to limit arbitrariness and abuse of power. This has always been difficult to achieve, especially in those countries where civil liberties and other values were not recognized by the government and remained defenseless in the political system.

Now the concept of "democracy" has two sides of the coin. Democracy was now identified with liberal governance. Thanks to this type of democracy, along with honest and open periodic elections, there is the rule of law, the division and restriction of power established by the constitution.

On the other hand, many economists and political scientists believe that it is impossible to realize the right to make decisions related to politics, as well as the influence of the people on the state system, without the emergence of social rights, low level of inequality in the socioeconomic aspect, and equal opportunities.

Threats

Democratic countries always face the threat of an authoritarian regime. The main problem for such a system of government always remains separatism, terrorism, the growth of social inequality or migration. Despite the fact that in the world there are many organizations that protect the freedom and rights of citizens, history is not devoid of cases when controversial political conflicts were provoked.

Current state of things

Before we look at the most democratic countries in the world, we should look at the general picture of the current situation. Despite the diversity of the regimes of democracy, now the number of countries-democrats is the greatest in the whole history. More than half of the world's population can participate in elections. Moreover, even such a regime as a dictatorship can easily exist on behalf of the people.

It is known that those countries that function under the democratic regime have given the right to vote to almost all the adult population. But later they faced such a problem that interest in political life began to fall sharply. For example, in the US, 30-40% of the population take part in elections.

There are several reasons for this. To fully understand the politics of your country, you need to stock up not just with patience, but with a time car. Some citizens believe that politicians devote more time to political race and to their own interests. Others do not at all see the differences between the opposing parties. In one way or another, the current state of things leads to a renewed interest in a direct form of democracy.

Analytics

Many political scientists worked to ensure that each state of the world received its definition. The British research center has calculated a methodology that could determine the rating of countries in the world by the level of democracy. Now it is possible to classify 167 countries. Each of them has its own index of democracy.

It is now difficult to say how objective the selection of states on this principle can be considered. There are 5 categories of 12 indicators in total. For the first time the index was applied in 2006. During this time there were several amendments related to changes in the political picture of the world. And even after 10 years it is not known who is on the commission: it may be the staff of the research center, or maybe independent scientists.

Principle

So, in order to rank the state into four categories, it is necessary to measure the level of democracy within the country. It is also necessary to investigate expert assessments and the results of public opinion polls. Each country is characterized by 60 indicators, which group into several categories:

1. Electoral process and pluralism.
2. Government work.
3. Participation of citizens in the politics of their state.
4. Political culture.
5. Civil liberties.

Categories

On this principle, countries can be divided into several categories. The first is full democracy. Many people still believe that this regime is an unattainable theoretical ideal. Nevertheless, at the moment, this category includes 26 countries - this is 12% of the total population. There is an opinion that almost half of all countries can be attributed to this type, but the expert opinion is slightly different. 51 states they are classified in the category of "insufficient democracy".

The third category is the hybrid regime, which is a symbiosis of democracy and authoritarianism. In the world there are 39 powers with this type. The remaining 52 countries still retain an authoritarian regime. By the way, to the fourth category, one third of the world's population - more than 2.5 billion people can be attributed.

The first of the first

The last known indexation was carried out in 2014. In total, 25 countries can be classified as full-fledged democracy. The top ten includes Iceland, New Zealand, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Canada, the Netherlands, Switzerland and Australia.

Norway has been the leader for several years already. This constitutional monarchy received the index of 9.93. This state in Northern Europe occupies part of the Scandinavian Peninsula. Now the King of Norway is Harald V. The unitary state is based on the principle of parliamentary democracy.

Homeland Pippi Longstocking

The second place is taken by Sweden (9.73). This state is in the neighborhood with Norway. It is also located on the Scandinavian Peninsula. The power is ruled by Carl XVI Gustav. The form of government is also built on the principle of parliamentary democracy in a symbiosis with a constitutional monarchy.

A small state

The third place with the index of 9.58 is occupied by Iceland. On the map, this country can be found near Europe. This is an island nation. The president is Gwüdni Johannesson, who took office in June this year. He is an independent candidate. Also famous for having a scientific degree is a professor of historical sciences. Despite the fact that Iceland is barely visible on the map, this country is not only in the top three of the democratic countries, but is also famous for its other records. For example, as the largest island of volcanic origin.

In safe hands

New Zealand took the fourth line (9.26). This state is in Polynesia, in the southwestern part of the Pacific Ocean. As in Norway, the constitutional monarchy and parliamentary democracy dominate here. This country is ruled by the famous Queen Elizabeth II. By the way, in addition to being the head of the British Commonwealth of Nations and directly of Britain, she is also the queen of 15 independent states, including Canada, Belize, Barbados, Grenada, etc. Directly in New Zealand there is Governor-General Jerry Mateparai.

Female guardianship

Denmark also fell into the democratic countries and took the fifth place in the ranking (9.11). Another state that is in Northern Europe. This power is also ruled by a woman - Margrethe II. Therefore Denmark is a constitutional monarchy. The queen is assisted by a unicameral parliament called folketing.

Complex political structure

Switzerland occupies the sixth line (9.09). It is a federal republic, a confederation that works with a bicameral parliament and on the principle of a half-line of democracy. Switzerland has a difficult political structure. President Johann Schneider-Ammann is chairman of the Federative Council, but in fact he is not the head of state. This role is assigned to all council members. Although in the case of complex political decisions, his voice will be decisive.

The president is considered the first among equals and he does not have the authority to lead the members of the Federal Council. Is elected only for a year. And this is done not by the people, but by the members of the council. There are only seven of them. In addition to the fact that they collectively manage the state, each of them has its own department. For example, the current president is responsible for the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research.

Multinational country

The seventh place was taken by Canada (9.08). This state is in North America. As mentioned earlier, the head of state is the Queen of Great Britain. But Governor-General David Johnston rules the country. Canada is a federation with a parliamentary monarchy and parliamentary democracy.

The state consists of 10 provinces. The most popular is Quebec. It is here that most of the French-speaking population lives. The rest of the provinces are mostly English.

Stability

With an index of 9.03 the eighth place was taken by Finland. Characteristics of the country is mainly based on the assessment of the state as the most stable. In 2010, the state became the best in the world. It is located in the north of Europe. It is a parliamentary-presidential republic based on parliamentary democracy. Since 2012, the head of state is Sauli Niinisto.

The president was elected by popular vote for a period of six years. The highest executive power belongs to him. Part of the legislative power is also in the hands of the head of the country, but the second half is controlled by the parliament - Eduscunte.

State of the mainland

Australia ranks 9th in the list of democratic countries in the world (9.01). This power is located next to New Zealand and occupies the eponymous continent. The head of the country is the queen of the British Commonwealth of Nations. The Governor-General is Peter Cosgrove. Australia is a parliamentary monarchy that exists like all of Britain's dominions. The government's activities are directly related to Elizabeth II and the Privy Council.

Australia is recognized as one of the most developed countries in the world. It has a stable economy, a high GDP per capita. It ranks second in the human development index and could easily become the first in the rating of democratic countries.

Top 10

Complete the top ten countries with a full-fledged democracy the Netherlands (8.92). This state is a constitutional monarchy. At the moment, the head of the kingdom Willem-Alexander. In the Netherlands, there is a bicameral parliament, which is based on parliamentary democracy. Amsterdam is considered to be the capital of the state. It is here that the monarch swears an oath of loyalty to the kingdom. But there is also the actual capital of The Hague, where the residence of the government is located.

Other leaders

In 26 states with a full-fledged democracy also includes the United Kingdom, Spain, Ireland, the United States, Japan, South Korea, Uruguay, Germany, etc. But it is worth mentioning the latest places in the rating, those countries that are subject to the authoritarian regime. On the 167th place is located North Korea with the index of 1.08. A little higher in the rating are the Central African Republic, Chad, Equatorial Guinea, Syria, Iran, Turkmenistan and the Congo.

Russia occupies the 117th line with a rating of 3.92. Before it is Cameroon, after - Angola. Belarus is even lower than Russia, at 139th place (3.16). Both countries are classified as "authoritarian regime". Ukraine is on the 79th place in the transition regime category and with the index of 5.94.

No development

Over the past few years, the democratic countries of Europe have lost their positions. This is especially true of the eastern territory. Together with Russia, the rest of the CIS countries fell in the rating. Some surrendered their positions slightly, some - at 5-7 steps.

Since 2013, the global power has stopped. This regime does not regress, but progress is not observed. This situation refers to the overall picture of the world. In some examples, regression is still noticeable. Many states lose their democratic processes. This is especially affected by the economic crisis.

Authoritarian regimes, on the contrary, have become even more powerful. Thus, democracy, which has been growing in the world since 1974, now has a recessive character. In addition to the fact that confidence in political institutions is beginning to decline, especially in Europe. Also, the very process of democracy does not bring the desired result to the population.