By Julie Kabukanyi, Advancing Human Rights Committee chair
Across the United States, citizens are expressing frustration and distrust with politics. Elections feel increasingly high-stakes, yet unsatisfying, political discourse is deeply polarized, and confidence in institutions is declining. This condition is described as “democracy fatigue.” But what does that mean? Is it an accurate diagnosis? The evidence points to the fact that the United States is experiencing democracy fatigue, but it is fatigue with how democracy is functioning— not a rejection of democracy itself.
Studies on democratic backsliding emphasize that citizens may remain committed to democratic values while losing confidence in institutions that appear ineffective, unresponsive, or unequal (Mounk, 2018; Levitsky & Ziblatt, 2018). This distinction is key to understanding the US today. Most Americans believe democracy is the best form of government, the “end of history” (Francis Fukuyama, 1992). However, many feel that the system does not adequately represent their voices or deliver meaningful outcomes. This gap between expectation and experience is at the heart of democracy fatigue.
One of the most significant drivers of democracy fatigue is political polarization. Polarization in the US has evolved beyond policy disagreements into identity-based conflict, where opposing political groups increasingly view one another with distrust and hostility (Iyengar et al., 2019).
This phenomenon, referred to as affective polarization, erodes democratic norms, weakens compromise, and transforms political competition into an existential struggle (Finkel et al., 2020). Citizens become emotionally fatigued, disengaged, or cynical about the political process; democracy begins to feel less like a shared system of governance and more like a constant conflict.
A feature of democracy fatigue is the erosion of trust, both in institutions and in fellow citizens. Long-term studies show a steady decline in public confidence in government, driven by factors such as inequality, perceived corruption, and partisan conflict (Dalton, 2004; Putnam, 2000). More recent research confirms that polarization itself further reduces social trust, making cooperation and collective problem-solving more difficult (Lee, 2022). Trust is not a secondary feature of democracy—it is foundational. Democratic systems rely on a shared belief that institutions are legitimate, that rules are fair, and that political opponents are not enemies. When trust declines, democratic governance becomes more fragile, even if formal institutions remain intact.
Despite these challenges, democracy fatigue does not mean that democracy is collapsing. Democratic systems can endure significant stress while maintaining core structures and norms (Boese et al., 2021). In the US, elections continue to take place, civil society remains active, and most citizens still support democratic governance.
For organizations like WILPF, democracy fatigue is not only a political concern but also deeply connected to peace, equity, and justice. When democratic systems are perceived as unresponsive, inequalities deepen, social tensions increase, and trust between communities erodes; conversely, research shows that inclusive and representative governance strengthens democratic legitimacy. When people see themselves reflected in leadership and decision-making processes, trust and participation increase. This insight is particularly relevant in advancing women’s leadership and political representation. Expanding inclusion is not only a matter of fairness but also essential for democratic stability.
In conclusion, the US is not rejecting democracy but is experiencing a moment of strain, marked by frustration, polarization, and declining trust. Addressing democracy fatigue requires reinvigorating institutions through accountability, inclusion, and meaningful representation. Democracy does not weaken only when institutions fail; it weakens when people begin to feel that those institutions no longer work for them. Rebuilding trust, therefore, is not just a political task. It is a collective responsibility and a necessary step toward a more just and peaceful society.
At this moment of democratic fatigue, WILPF’s mission is more urgent than ever: to build a more just, peaceful, and inclusive democracy by holding institutions accountable and amplifying the voices too often excluded.
