Topic: 2025 – Authoritarianism and Democracy
Country: Italy
Delegate Name: Olivia Sharp
Country: Italy
Delegate: Olivia Sharp
School: Williamston High School
Committee: SPECPOL
Topic: Authoritarianism and Democracy
The issue at hand today is the growing threats to democracy and the steady increase of authoritarian governments across the globe. The number of countries under a democratic government versus the number under an authoritarian government is relatively evenly distributed, with 91 countries having a democratic government and 88 having an authoritarian government. However, it is also important to note that 71% of the world lives under an autocracy. Autocracies have also begun to last longer, with many averaging 20 years, an increase from the 14 years recorded previously in the early 2000s. All of this data shows the strengthening of authoritarian governments, which may pose a threat to democracy around the world. The UN must address these issues if it hopes to continue to promote democracy across the globe.
Italy itself is classified as a liberal democracy. This classification is on a scale going from a closed autocracy to a liberal democracy. For this reason, Italy is committed to fostering democracy around the world as well as within its own borders. In 2021, Italy created the National Recovery and Resilience Plan, or NRRP, which invested in several key policies and reforms, such as Justice, Public Administration, and many others. This plan, over the course of many years, helps to build a more democratic society within Italy. Additionally, Italy has continuously advocated for human rights within the United Nations, having served 3 mandates for the UN’s Human Rights Council, and recently being elected for its fourth term, beginning in 2026. These actions have helped to promote democracy globally.
Italy proposes that the United Nations should continue to push requirements and standards that support and strengthen democracies, especially newer ones. Ways this can be done are by ensuring the civil liberties of citizens within countries categorized as a democracy, as more informed and empowered citizens are key to a strong democracy. The UN could create legislation for countries to sign that includes more standards on the rights of citizens. Italy hopes that the UN will take action to help make this plan a reality, and hopes countries such as the US will aid them in making this plan a reality.
