Is Democracy in Trouble? | World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2026 | World Economic Forum

The panel discussion at the World Economic Forum centers on whether democracy is in danger, given rising global anxieties and numerous publications highlighting its decline. Panelists explore the mismatch between democratic expectations and delivery, the capture of democracies by specific interests, and the role of social media in manipulating populations. They question whether the "wrong" leaders are being elected and if old political structures are failing to adapt to modern demands for quick results. The conversation covers potential solutions, including strengthening social organizations, re-educating citizens, and reforming institutions like the UN to address new challenges and protect democratic values. Singapore's experience with efficient governance and the potential for new leadership from the tech sector are also discussed.

Outlines

Part 1: Current Crisis, Anxiety

Part 2: Values, Responsibility, Models

Part 3: Systemic Challenges, Technology

Part 4: Future Solutions, Reform

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Is Democracy in Trouble? | World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2026

World Economic Forum

Part 1: Current Crisis, Anxiety

Is Democracy in Danger? Examining the Global Anxiety and Potential Causes

The Gap Between Democratic Expectations and Delivery: A Call for Optimism

Rethinking Democracy: Beyond Narrow Views and the Election of "Wrong" Leaders

Part 2: Values, Responsibility, Models

Democracy's Value: Cherishing and Contributing to Protect Against Autocracy

Singapore's Approach: Balancing Efficiency, Delivery, and Citizen Engagement

Part 3: Systemic Challenges, Technology

The Age of Impatience: Technology, Governance, and the Need for Systemic Change

Modernizing Democracy: Learning from Successes and Reforming Institutions

Regrowing Trust: Reliable Information and Corporate Governance Reform

Part 4: Future Solutions, Reform

Direct Democracy vs. Representative Government: Finding the Right Balance

Re-educating Citizens: Standards, Populism, and the Role of Technology

Is Democracy in Trouble? | World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2026

World Economic Forum

Part 1: Current Crisis, Anxiety

03:39Is Democracy in Danger? Examining the Global Anxiety and Potential Causes

Is Democracy in Danger? Examining the Global Anxiety and Potential Causes

10:37The Gap Between Democratic Expectations and Delivery: A Call for Optimism

The Gap Between Democratic Expectations and Delivery: A Call for Optimism

14:28Rethinking Democracy: Beyond Narrow Views and the Election of "Wrong" Leaders

Rethinking Democracy: Beyond Narrow Views and the Election of "Wrong" Leaders

Part 2: Values, Responsibility, Models

18:25Democracy's Value: Cherishing and Contributing to Protect Against Autocracy

Democracy's Value: Cherishing and Contributing to Protect Against Autocracy

22:56Singapore's Approach: Balancing Efficiency, Delivery, and Citizen Engagement

Singapore's Approach: Balancing Efficiency, Delivery, and Citizen Engagement

Part 3: Systemic Challenges, Technology

28:32The Age of Impatience: Technology, Governance, and the Need for Systemic Change

The Age of Impatience: Technology, Governance, and the Need for Systemic Change

33:57Modernizing Democracy: Learning from Successes and Reforming Institutions

Modernizing Democracy: Learning from Successes and Reforming Institutions

39:00Regrowing Trust: Reliable Information and Corporate Governance Reform

Regrowing Trust: Reliable Information and Corporate Governance Reform

Part 4: Future Solutions, Reform

41:50Direct Democracy vs. Representative Government: Finding the Right Balance

Direct Democracy vs. Representative Government: Finding the Right Balance

44:34Re-educating Citizens: Standards, Populism, and the Role of Technology

Re-educating Citizens: Standards, Populism, and the Role of Technology