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

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