The Problem With Representative Democracy
Foreign Policy
by Hélène LandemoreFebruary 13, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The Problem With Representative Democracy: A Global Crisis of Trust
In recent years, representative democracies worldwide have faced unprecedented challenges, revealing deep-seated grievances among citizens who feel disconnected from their political systems. Movements like the Yellow Vests in France and the U.S. Capitol insurrection highlight the fragility of these systems when trust erodes. These events underscore a broader crisis: people are losing faith in traditional institutions, feeling they no longer represent the common citizen.
This dissatisfaction is not isolated to any single country or ideology. From Taiwan's Sunflower Movement to Brexit's referendum and Chile's protests over metro fares, similar themes emerge—protesters demand accountability, transparency, and a greater voice for ordinary people. Even Iceland, known for its progressive policies, saw widespread anger after the 2008 financial crisis, leading to demands for constitutional reform that would involve citizens directly in governance.
These movements reveal a fundamental flaw: representative democracies often fail to address inequality and corruption effectively. Elites dominate decision-making processes, leaving many feeling their concerns are ignored. This disconnect has fueled radicalization across the political spectrum, from far-right uprisings to socialist revolutions. The common thread is a belief that the system is rigged against ordinary people.
This crisis matters because it challenges the very foundations of modern democracy. If representative systems cannot adapt to address these grievances, they risk becoming obsolete. The global rise of citizen-led movements suggests a shift toward more inclusive forms of governance, where power is decentralized and decision-making involves everyday citizens. This evolution could redefine how democracies function in the 21st century.
For readers interested in politics, understanding this global trend is crucial. It reveals the need for reforms that bridge the gap between rulers and the ruled. Whether through constitutional changes or new forms of participatory democracy, addressing these issues will determine whether representative systems can survive—and thrive—in an increasingly fragmented world.
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Originally published on Foreign Policy on 2/13/2026