Democracies the world over are not being undone by disenchanted citizens but by leaders with predatory political ambitions that use all opportunities to defy constraints to their power.

A realignment is already underway. So long as the country remains stuck in a messy stalemate, America will face greater political violence.

Backsliding is less a result of democracies failing to deliver than of democracies failing to constrain the predatory political ambitions and methods of certain elected leaders. Policymakers and aid providers seeking to limit backsliding should tailor their diplomatic and aid interventions accordingly. 

Political overreach, economic pain, and violent conflicts drive another year of surging protests.