Question

The author states that the places most at risk of governments abusing their power during the pandemic are countries where ""democracy’s roots are shallow."" Why would this be the case? Why are the governments of healthy democracies less likely to abuse power?

Answer 1

Countries with shallow democratic roots are at higher risk of governmental abuse of power during crises like pandemics, as they may lack the institutional safeguards that healthy democracies possess to prevent power abuse.

Step-by-step explanation:

Places most at risk of governments abusing their power during the pandemic are countries where democracy’s roots are shallow because such places may lack institutional safeguards, such as separation of powers and protection of civil liberties that constrain governmental overreach. In contrast, governments of healthy democracies are less likely to abuse power due to several factors:

• Legitimacy derived from a popular vote instills a sense of accountability among the rulers.
• Democratic ideals promulgate basic human rights and justice, which are embedded deeply in the country's institutions and culture.
• Checks and balances in a robust democratic system act to prevent the concentration and abuse of power.

History has shown that leaders, like Turkey's President Erdoğan, may consolidate power under the guise of protection, thereby eroding democracy. Conversely, democratically elected governments with strong institutions and an informed and engaged populace are more resilient to such shifts towards authoritarianism. Public trust in the system is crucial; when it dwindles, as seen in places like Guatemala, the fabric of democracy is weakened, leading to potential government overreach and abuse of power.