Democracy and Security in a World of Conflicts

ILYMUN 2025
Written By Adam ZEGAR

Clara CASTELLANO

In today’s world, there is a balance between democracy and security which has become an increasingly fragile issue. Democracy may seem like a stable and well-established system in many parts of the world, however it is constantly under threat, especially in regions impacted by conflicts and political instability. Democracy can be defined in two manners in our modern world. For some parts of the world, democracy is something to protect, while for other nations, it is something to eradicate, both utilising the same method. Indeed, security being a global concept, it has various goals, including physical safety, economic stability or a protection of ideologies. Today, conflict and security present a bipolar relationship, forming alliances for some regions and opposition for others. 

A Crumbling Democracy

Credits: Amit Bandre, The New Indian Express

World conflict: a threat to democracy 

Democracy, particularly in Western nations, is often taken for granted. The rights to free speech, free elections, and political participation are seen as fundamental aspects of society. Across the globe, however, democracy is facing significant challenges that threaten its very existence. These challenges often emerge in countries experiencing internal conflicts or under the influence of authoritarian regimes, where security concerns are frequently used as a justification for curbing and manipulating democratic freedoms. The elimination of democratic principles is often gradual and subtle. In many nations, governments have used security as a justification for policies that restrict individual liberties, limit opposition, and curtail freedom of expression. The rise of populist movements in certain democracies has further fueled this trend, with leaders asserting that strong security measures are necessary to protect national interests. While these policies may appear justified on the surface, they can dangerously undermine the checks and balances essential to a functioning democracy. The growing authoritarian tendencies in countries like Hungary, Poland, and Türkiye serve as examples of how democratic systems can be progressively weakened under the facade of national security. These nations have implemented measures that centralize power, limit judicial independence, and restrict media freedoms all in the name of security. What begins as a response to real threats can quickly morph into an erosion of democratic rights, as governments exploit security concerns to legitimize actions that weaken democratic institutions.

Global conflicts impact on democracy: Ukraine case study

Global conflicts play a significant role in shaping the fate of democracies worldwide. A contemporary example of this is the ongoing war in Ukraine, which has not only exposed the vulnerabilities of the country’s democratic institutions but has also highlighted the broader struggle between democratic and authoritarian forces on the global stage. Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the country’s democratic system has faced unprecedented challenges. In response to the military aggression, Ukraine has been forced to implement martial laws, restrict certain civil liberties, and curtail political opposition in the name of national security. While these measures are necessary to protect the country’s sovereignty, they also raise important questions about the preservation of democratic freedoms during times of war. The war in Ukraine is a reminder that democracy is not invincible. The conflict has prompted democratic nations around the world, particularly in Europe, to reflect on the importance of upholding democratic values in the face of external aggression. Yet, the conflict has also exposed the risks of authoritarianism, as the Russian government continues to suppress dissent and tighten control over its population under the pretext of national security. Beyond Ukraine, the impact of global conflicts on democracy is evident in other parts of the world. The rise of authoritarian regimes, such as those in China and Iran, has led to a resurgence of illiberal governance, often framed as necessary to maintain national stability and security. These countries have sought to suppress political opposition, limit freedom of expression, and control information, all in the name of security. As such, the international community faces a growing challenge in defending and promoting democratic values on the global stage.

Credits: Andrei Marchenko

Balancing Democracy in a Fragile World

The relationship between democracy and security is complex and, at times, contradictory. While security is essential for safeguarding national interests and protecting citizens, it must not come at the cost of the very freedoms that define democracy. The global landscape today is marked by a rise in both internal and external conflicts, which pose serious threats to democratic governance. The case of Ukraine, alongside other regions experiencing authoritarian tendencies, demonstrates the difficulty of maintaining a stable democracy in an increasingly unstable world. Democracy’s survival in a world of conflict depends on its ability to adapt while staying true to its core values. The future of global democracy will be determined by how well nations navigate the tensions between security and freedom, and whether they can uphold the ideals of democratic governance without compromising the very principles that make democracy worth defending.

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Adam ZEGAR
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