In this commentary, we discuss some possible effects of the COVID-19 pandemic in both established and newer democracies We expect that the pandemic will not have grave long-term effects on established democracies We assess the future of democracy after COVID-19 in terms of immediate effects on current democratic leaders, and speculate on the long-term effects on support for democratic institutions and principles We also discuss possible implications of the COVID-19 pandemic on the global trends in democratic backsliding We predict that, in the short term, the repercussions of the pandemic can aggravate the situation in countries that are already experiencing democratic erosion However, the long term economic effects of the pandemic may be more detrimental to non-democratic governance
How Will the COVID-19 Pandemic Affect Democracy?