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On March 18, the Presbyterian Hunger Program’s Global Solidarity Collective hosted a critical conversation as part of its Centering Partners’ Voices series. The event, titled “Democracy in Peril,” brought together long-standing partners from Cameroon, El Salvador, South Sudan, and Sri Lanka to reflect on the global erosion of democratic norms—and what’s being done to resist it.

“In every region of the world, democracy is under attack by leaders and groups that reject pluralism and impose their unchecked power.”
—Valery Nodem, Presbyterian Hunger Program

The data is grim. According to the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance, nearly half the world’s countries have seen declines in democratic institutions over the past five years. In places where U.S. foreign policy once played a stabilizing role, recent shifts—like aid cuts and global disengagement—have had destabilizing consequences.

“You in the U.S. totally underestimate the influence you have worldwide.”
—Samuel Nguiffo, Director of the Center for Environment and Development in Cameroon

Panelists spoke with urgency about how authoritarian leaders in their regions are using this global moment to consolidate power. The impacts are far-reaching: repression of civil society, shrinking civic space, election interference, and the silencing of dissent.

“We’ve never had elections since 2011. Civil servants go 14 months without salaries. What kind of democracy is that?”
—Angelina Jial, Director of Hope Restoration South Sudan

“When you speak out, your mouth is shut—through disappearances, harassment, or detention.”
—Herman Kumara, National Convener of the National Fisheries Solidarity Organization in Sri Lanka

But the conversation was not without hope. Again and again, panelists lifted up the courage of local communities and small organizations, whose persistence is often the only thing holding the line.

“If small organizations weren’t powerful, governments wouldn’t try so hard to shut them down.”
—Samuel Nguiffo

In El Salvador, community networks continue to push back against government overreach, especially around environmental exploitation.

“Our rights have never been handed to us. Every gain has come through organizing and persistence.”
—Norma Mejía, Coordinator of the Asociación Red Uniendo Manos in El Salvador

In Sri Lanka and South Sudan, local activists work under constant pressure to provide education, protect land rights, and advocate for peace.

“The real power is in grassroots movements. When people unite, even the strongest government can be overwhelmed.”
—Herman Kumara

As the global landscape shifts, these voices remind us that what happens in the U.S. has real consequences around the world. And they remind us that defending democracy doesn’t always start in parliaments—it often starts in neighborhoods, churches, and small community gatherings.

“It’s more risky if you do nothing than if you take action.”
—Angelina Jial

So what can we do?

• Stay informed and pay attention to the connections between domestic and international policy.
• Support and amplify the work of global partners.
• Advocate for policies that uphold human rights and democratic values.
• Join with others—locally and globally—to build more just systems.

Democracy may be under pressure, but our partners show us it’s not beyond repair. Their work offers both a challenge and an invitation: to stay engaged, stand in solidarity, and keep pushing for change.

“Everybody has a role to play. The fight for democracy is not just for politicians. It belongs to the people.”
—Norma Carolina Mejía

Watch the recording of the "Democracy in Peril" conversation

Register for the next Centering Partners' Voices gathering "Whose Land, Whose Power: Global Land Rights and Tenure Struggles"

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