Just 10 years ago, less than 50% of the world’s population lived under authoritarian regimes. Today, that figure has risen to 72%, as highlighted by Leopoldo López in his TED Talk on the fight for democracy. This rapid increase is alarming and impacts not only individual countries but also has global implications for human rights, migration, gender equality, poverty, and even climate change. Democracy is under threat, and every international decision has the potential to strengthen or weaken this fundamental principle.

Recently, news has surfaced about meetings with "normalizers" of authoritarian regimes taking place in various parts of the world, including Venezuela. In this case, the Swiss diplomatic representation in Caracas has been involved in such meetings. We are deeply concerned that these actions could be interpreted as steps toward legitimizing regimes like Nicolás Maduro’s, accused of crimes against humanity. Such gestures not only prolong the suffering of political persecution victims but also weaken global efforts to defend democracy.

We must also consider the environmental consequences of these decisions. If we truly care about combating climate change, we must recognize that the fact that 72% of the world’s population lives under authoritarian regimes severely hampers the actions needed to protect the environment. Autocrats, who are often unaccountable, prioritize power and economic gain over sustainability. This directly affects our collective efforts locally and globally. It is therefore imperative to take firm stances and reject the normalization of such regimes.

Defending democracy requires a global effort. Just as autocracies collaborate, democracies and their defenders must do the same. We therefore call on international leaders, organizations, and committed citizens to support the following actions:

Avoid strengthening ties with actors flagged by international organizations like the UN, the OAS, and human rights defenders.
Create spaces for dialogue with people from countries where they have been persecuted for their beliefs. These dialogues allow for a better global understanding and stronger support for pro-democracy forces.
Firmly support those who have sacrificed so much to defend democracy in their countries, honoring their struggle and respecting their commitment.
As López emphasizes, this is not a local challenge but a global call. If we fail to act now, we risk autocracies continuing to rise, making democracy the exception rather than the norm within a generation.

Now is the time to act. Support this cause by signing this petition and joining the voices of those fighting for freedom, human rights, and a democratic future for all. Together, we can make a difference.

TED TALK: How to defend democracy — and fight autocracy by Leopoldo Lopez. 

 

 

Book Autocracy INC by Anna Appelbaum: Explains how autocracies support each other and how the free word indirectly support them.

 

 

 

 

 

NEWS in spanish: Invitación que el Instituto de Transiciones Integradas (IFIT) y la Embajada de Suiza, le hacen a un grupo selecto de personas para debatir sobre la “Reforma Constitucional oportunidades en un esquema de continuidad del conflicto”: .¿Normalización Suiza?