As a subject matter expert in political science, I can provide an in-depth analysis of the question regarding the number of democratic countries in the world. It's important to note that the concept of democracy is multifaceted and can be interpreted in various ways. The term "democracy" generally refers to a system of government where the citizens exercise power by voting, either directly or through elected representatives. However, the degree to which a country is considered democratic can vary significantly. The statement that "There are currently 123 democracies in the world of all 192 countries" seems to be a simplified view and may not accurately reflect the current state of global democracy. The number of democracies can fluctuate over time due to political changes, and the criteria for what constitutes a democracy can be subjective and complex. It involves not just the presence of elections, but also the rule of law, protection of individual rights, and the functioning of a robust civil society, among other factors. Electoral efficacy is indeed a fundamental aspect of democracy. Free and fair elections are essential, but they are not the sole determinant of a democratic system. Competing parties with varied representative interests are also crucial, as they provide citizens with a range of choices and ensure that different voices are heard within the political process. However, the presence of elections and political parties does not automatically make a country a democracy. Other key elements include: 1. Political Pluralism: The existence of multiple political parties and ideologies that compete for power and influence. 2. Civil Liberties: Freedom of speech, assembly, religion, and the press, which are essential for a functioning democracy. 3. Rule of Law: The principle that all members of society, including the government, are subject to the law. 4. Participation: The active involvement of citizens in the democratic process, which can include voting, engaging in public discourse, and holding the government accountable. 5. Inclusiveness: Ensuring that all citizens have equal access to the democratic process, regardless of their social, economic, or cultural background. It's also worth mentioning that there are different types of democracies, such as presidential, parliamentary, and hybrid systems, each with its own set of rules and procedures. Additionally, there are countries that are often described as "hybrid regimes" or "semi-democracies," which have some democratic elements but also exhibit autocratic tendencies. To determine the number of democracies, one might refer to indices and reports by organizations such as the Economist Intelligence Unit's Democracy Index, Freedom House's Freedom in the World report, or the Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) project. These organizations use various criteria and methodologies to assess the state of democracy in different countries. As of my last update in April 2023, the Democracy Index categorized countries into four categories: full democracies, flawed democracies, hybrid regimes, and authoritarian regimes. The number of countries falling into the "full democracies" category was not as high as 123. It's also important to recognize that the situation can change from year to year, and the classification of a country's political system can be a matter of debate among scholars and analysts. In conclusion, while it's challenging to provide a precise number of democratic countries due to the evolving nature of political systems and the complexity of defining democracy, it's clear that the figure of 123 democracies is likely an overestimation. A more accurate assessment would require a detailed analysis of each country's political landscape, taking into account the various dimensions of democracy mentioned above. read more >>

There are currently 123 democracies in the world of all 192 countries. The most basic measure of democracy is electoral efficacy. If a nation has free and fair elections, coupled by competing parties with varied representative interests, it can be classified as a democracy.Sep 29, 2013read more >>