NATO YOUTH 🇨🇦

Democracy is fragile. It is neither inevitable nor set in stone. It is earned, fought for, and—above all—defended. A sobering reminder that no tyrant is unbeatable and that people can reclaim their destiny when they band together is provided by the echoes of protests in the streets of Serbia and Turkey. What can we learn from these uprisings, the West must ask itself as it observes? Are we actually defending the democratic values we profess to support?

It was disobedience that gave birth to democracy. The first political protest against repressive government in Athens was organized by Cleisthenes, the father of democracy, more than 2,500 years ago. By giving people a voice, his reforms established the groundwork for a society that prioritizes freedom over fear. However, democracy is a dynamic idea that is constantly in danger of being undermined. Democracy has had to be regained from the grasp of despots throughout history, from the storming of the Bastille to the fall of the Berlin Wall. A king was compelled to recognize the rule of law when Magna Carta was signed in 1215. In England, the Glorious Revolution of 1688 strengthened the argument for parliamentary government against absolute monarchy. In an effort to achieve self-rule, the American and French revolutions overthrew established governments. No dictatorship is impervious to the forces of change, as seen by the Soviet Union’s demise and the fight against apartheid in South Africa.

Outrage has erupted in the streets of Serbia. Tens of thousands of demonstrators have gathered in Belgrade, the capital, to call for justice. President Aleksandar Vučić is the target of their ire since he is alleged to have rigged the most recent municipal and parliamentary elections. Allegations that Serbian democracy has been seized have been strengthened by reports of ballot stuffing, intimidation, and manipulation of the media by the state. Vučić has been consolidating power for years, strengthening his hold on institutions and stifling dissent. The Serbians, however, are not going to give up. The protests reveal a people unwilling to accept a rigged system, evoking memories of the 2000 uprisings that overthrew Slobodan Milošević. The protesters’ unwavering determination highlights a basic reality: democracy is only as strong as the people who are prepared to defend it. According to a recent BBC story (source), residents and opposition parties have criticized the election process as corrupt, citing significant irregularities. With calls for accountability, transparency, and the resignation of those responsible for electoral fraud, the demonstrations have only gotten bigger. Although international observers and the European Union have voiced concerns, the Serbian people are acting alone and are not waiting for outside help. These protests are much more important because of their size and tenacity. Citizens from all social groups and generations are uniting in previously unheard-of numbers, despite official efforts to minimize the dissent. Change is loudly and persistently demanded, demonstrating that authoritarianism is not invincible no matter how ingrained it is.

In addition to electoral fraud, the Serbian people are demonstrating against a government they believe to be inept and careless. Following the collapse of the train station canopy in November 2024, which claimed 16 lives and seriously injured one more, widespread protests broke out in Novi Sad. As of March 9, 2025, the demonstrations are still going on and have reached 400 Serbian cities and municipalities.  An infrastructure that has been neglected by corruption and poor management, where people are losing their lives as a result of government failings, was the emblem of this deeper discontent. The opposition coalition could have a significant impact on Serbia’s future if Vučić is overthrown. One of the prominent individuals gaining attention as a possible successor is Dragan Đilas, a former Belgrade mayor and outspoken opponent of Vučić’s government. Restoring democratic institutions, combating corruption, and strengthening Serbia’s ties with the EU are the main objectives of his policy.

In the meantime, the people of Turkey are rebelling against another strongman. Protests against President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, who has methodically destroyed democratic checks and balances, are being stoked by political repression, corruption, and economic suffering. The resistance is spreading, despite Erdoğan’s iron-fist grip over Turkish institutions, which has resulted in the suppression of opposition and the imprisonment of dissenters. An important catalyst for the most recent protests was the prosecution of Istanbul’s opposition mayor, Ekrem İmamoğlu. The decision to ban him from politics and sentence him to prison in December 2024 was generally interpreted as Erdoğan’s attempt to remove a significant opponent before the upcoming elections. The public outrage was swift, and large-scale protests started in Istanbul and other cities. Thousands of people protested in the streets, calling for an end to Erdoğan’s dictatorial leadership and voicing concerns that Turkey was moving closer to being an autocratic nation, according to Global News (source). Millions of people are frustrated by Turkey’s faltering economy, which is only adding fuel to the fire. Wages have stagnated, inflation has skyrocketed, and financial instability has been exacerbated by government mismanagement. Since many demonstrators believe that Erdoğan’s hold on power is the main reason for these problems, the rallies constitute a desperate cry for fundamental change rather than merely political repression.

These demonstrations are teachings for the entire world, not just for local conflicts. The West, which has long seen itself as the defender of democracy, is also being threatened. Authoritarianism is becoming more and more prevalent in Western countries, not only in Eastern Europe or the Middle East. Democracy is being undermined by political division, disinformation, and a decline in public confidence in institutions. Organizations such as the United Nations, NATO, and the European Union need to do more than observe; they need to take action. Democracy must be safeguarded by genuine pledges to press freedom, free elections, and human rights; it cannot be preserved merely with words.If we learn anything from Turkey and Serbia, it is that democracy takes time to disintegrate. It steadily erodes as those who want to consolidate power chip away at it. It is the duty of everyone who believes in democracy to fight against tyranny, not only those who are directly oppressed.

A fundamental reality is brought home to us by the demonstrations in Serbia and Turkey: no matter how strong a tyrant appears, they are always outnumbered. People can overthrow even the most powerful tyrants when they band together and raise their voices in unison. Whether we have the guts to stand up for democracy is the question, not whether it can be saved.