As an expert in international relations and political systems, I'm often asked about the state of democracy around the world. It's a complex and nuanced question, one that requires a careful examination of what we mean by "democracy" and how it is measured and defined. The concept of democracy is rooted in the principle of rule by the people, either directly or through elected representatives. It encompasses a range of political rights and civil liberties, including free and fair elections, the right to vote, freedom of speech, and the rule of law. However, the practice of democracy can vary significantly from one country to another, and it's not always easy to determine whether a particular country qualifies as a democracy. The statement that "There are currently 123 democracies in the world of all 192 countries" is a figure that might be derived from a particular source or study, but it's important to note that the number of democracies can fluctuate over time due to changes in political systems, coups, revolutions, or other factors that affect a country's political landscape. The most basic measure of democracy, as mentioned, is electoral efficacy. This means that a country must hold free and fair elections where the citizens can choose their leaders without intimidation, manipulation, or undue influence. Additionally, there should be multiple parties competing in these elections, representing a variety of interests, to ensure that the political process is inclusive and representative. However, elections alone do not make a country a democracy. Other factors such as the protection of minority rights, the independence of the judiciary, the presence of a free press, and the ability of citizens to engage in political discourse without fear of repression are also crucial. Organizations like the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) and Freedom House regularly assess countries based on these and other criteria to determine their level of democratic governance. It's also worth noting that there are different types of democracies, including presidential, parliamentary, and hybrid systems. Each has its own set of rules and procedures that can affect how democratic a country is in practice. In conclusion, while it's challenging to provide an exact number of democracies worldwide due to the dynamic nature of political systems, the core principles of democracy—free and fair elections, competing parties, and the protection of civil liberties—serve as a guide for evaluating the democratic status of a country. It's a topic that requires ongoing analysis and vigilance to ensure that democratic principles are upheld and that citizens' rights are protected. 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 >>