The Intelligence from The Economist One party to rule them all? India’s fraying democracy
Nov 27, 2020
Max Rodenbeck, South Asia bureau chief for The Economist, and Wendelin von Bredow, who covers Europe, discuss India's precarious democracy under Prime Minister Modi. They probe the erosion of judicial independence and the rise of a potential one-party system, expressing hope for India's diverse society. The conversation shifts to Sweden, where entrenched gang violence reveals troubling social divides, contrasting sharply with its peaceful reputation. They also explore how Black Friday is transforming in the pandemic era with a significant rise in online shopping.
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India's Fraying Democracy
- India's democratic norms have been under strain since its independence.
- This strain has intensified in the last six years under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's BJP rule.
Erosion of Independent Institutions
- India's independent institutions, like the judiciary and police, are becoming increasingly aligned with the government's agenda.
- This raises concerns about the erosion of checks and balances on executive power.
Political Influence on Key Institutions
- While institutions like the Electoral Commission and the army have historically remained independent, there are signs of increasing political influence.
- This raises concerns about the future of these key institutions in upholding democratic processes.