By Sunil Goyal
Democracy, once meant to serve the people, is now being controlled by powerful corporations, political elites, and war-driven economies. Across the world, governments are prioritizing profits over public welfare, silencing dissent, and allowing private companies to take over essential services. From the humanitarian crisis in Gaza to the privatization of healthcare, education, employment, and even natural resources, democracy is becoming less about the people and more about the powerful.
Corporate takeover of governance: One of the biggest threats to democracy today is the corporate takeover of governance. Large multinational corporations and billionaires influence elections, fund politicians, and shape public policies in their favor. Instead of governments working for the people, they now serve business interests, ensuring that profits continue to grow while the average citizen struggles. The media, which should hold those in power accountable, is often controlled by these same corporations, creating biased narratives that mislead the public.
“Democracy is dying in darkness, not only due to political corruption but also due to the corporatization of governance, privatization of essential resources, and suppression of human rights. Whether in Gaza, America, Africa, or India, democracy is becoming a tool for corporate profits rather than people’s welfare.”
Powerful nations manipulate global politics: The genocide in Gaza is a heartbreaking example of how democracy fails when powerful nations manipulate global politics. Thousands of innocent Palestinians have been killed, displaced, and deprived of basic human rights, yet global leaders do little to stop the violence. The United States continues to provide billions in military aid to Israel, ensuring that war crimes go unpunished. Mainstream media distorts the reality, making it difficult for the world to see the true scale of suffering. International organizations like the United Nations, which should protect human rights, remain powerless as influential nations dictate global policies.
Privatization of public services: Another alarming trend is the privatization of public services. In a fast developing economies Healthcare, education, employment and public transport,once government responsibilities, are now controlled by private corporations. This means that essential services are no longer a right but a privilege for those who can afford them. Public hospitals are underfunded, forcing people to rely on expensive private healthcare. Universities raise tuition fees, making education unaffordable for many. Secure jobs disappear as businesses favor contract-based, temporary work, leaving workers without stability. Even public transport systems are being sold to private companies, leading to higher fares and reduced accessibility.
Control of natural resources by private corporations: Perhaps the most dangerous aspect of privatization is the control of natural resources by private corporations. Water, energy, forests, and even clean air, resources that belong to all of humanity, are now being exploited for profit. In many countries, including India private companies have taken over water supply systems, forcing people to pay high prices for access to something that should be free. Energy companies control electricity grids, raising prices while making billions in profit. Large industries continue to pollute the air and destroy forests, displacing indigenous communities and harming the environment, all while governments look the other way.
Protests are crushed: As democracy weakens, public accountability also disappears. Protests are crushed, journalists are silenced, and courts are influenced by the powerful. People who dare to speak against corruption or injustice face threats, imprisonment, or even death. The gap between the rich and poor continues to widen, as policies benefit the wealthy while pushing the working class into deeper struggles. In many countries, elections still take place, but the choices are limited to candidates who serve the same corporate and elite interests.
Fight against injustice requires independent journalism: Despite these challenges, democracy is not beyond saving. The fight against injustice requires independent journalism, strong public movements, and active participation from ordinary people. Governments must be forced to take back control of essential services, ensuring that healthcare, education, water, and energy remain public rights rather than private businesses. People must hold leaders accountable, resist corporate influence, and demand policies that serve humanity rather than profit-driven elites.
Will we allow the powerful to destroy democracy: The fight ahead is not just to protect democracy but to rebuild it in a way that serves humanity rather than elites and war profiteers, but it can still be revived. The question is will we allow the powerful to destroy it completely, or will we fight to bring it back to the people?
