Why do 85 per cent Indians want autocratic democracy or military rule?

An overwhelming majority of Indians express support for authoritarian leadership or military rule over representative democracy.

Edited By: Mayank Kasyap

Last Updated : 14 March 2024, 05:07 PM IST

ANI (File)

New Delhi: Recent findings from the Pew Research Center's Spring 2023 Global Attitudes Survey reveal a significant shift in Indian attitudes towards governance. According to the survey, an overwhelming majority of Indians express support for authoritarian leadership or military rule over representative democracy.

Key insights

Preference for Authoritarian Rule: 85% of Indian respondents indicated their approval of military rule or governance by a powerful, unchallenged leader.
Decline in Democratic Values: The survey highlights a decline in the belief in representative democracy among Indians, with only 36% viewing it favorably compared to 44% in 2017.
Rise of Technocracy: There has been a notable increase in the preference for governance by experts rather than elected officials, attributed in part to the COVID-19 pandemic. This shift saw support rise from 65% in 2017 to 82% in 2023.

Survey methodology

Sample Selection: Face-to-face interviews were conducted between March 25 and May 11, 2023, across various demographics to ensure proportional representation.
Exclusions: Certain regions like the north-eastern states and islands such as Andaman and Nicobar and Lakshadweep were excluded from the survey.
Questionnaire: Respondents were questioned about their support for authoritarian governance models, including rule by a strong leader or the military.

Global trends

International Variability: Support for authoritarian governance varied significantly across countries, with India exhibiting the highest approval rate at 85%.
Regional Disparities: Middle-income countries showed greater support for authoritarian models compared to wealthier nations. Asia-Pacific, Africa, and Latin America displayed higher endorsement rates than Europe and North America.
Democratic Erosion: The survey indicates a global trend of declining support for representative democracy, with 11 out of 22 countries experiencing a significant reduction since 2017.

The Pew survey underscores shifting perceptions of governance in India, with a notable inclination towards authoritarian leadership and technocratic decision-making. While democratic values may be waning, the rise of alternative governance models signals evolving attitudes in the face of changing socio-political landscapes.

Pew Research Center, Governance Preferences, Authoritarian Rule, Representative Democracy, Technocracy

Why do 85 per cent Indians want autocratic democracy or military rule?