"Rising Tides of Autocracy: Power Shifts and Global Governance in an Era of Regime Diversity"

The evolving architecture of global governance is increasingly shaped by the ascendancy of autocratic regimes, which are redefining the contours of international relations. As non-democratic states assert themselves in both formal and informal global governance platforms, new complexities arise, especially in balancing national sovereignty with global cooperation. This paper critically examines the interplay between power shifts, autocratization, and governance complexity, with a particular focus on India and Europe. Though distinct in their political and historical contexts, both regions share common challenges in navigating the tensions between national sovereignty and global cooperation in an era marked by rising authoritarianism. In Europe, the rise of autocratic tendencies within the European Union (EU) has underscored the challenges of maintaining unity and upholding democratic values in a multilateral context. Hungary and Poland serve as key examples of how autocracies challenge the EU’s foundational principles of democracy, rule of law, and human rights. Under Viktor Orbán, Hungary has become a vocal critic of EU policies, particularly concerning migration and refugee relocation. Similarly, Poland’s ruling Law and Justice Party (PiS) has pursued judicial reforms that undermine the independence of the judiciary, provoking tensions with the EU and raising questions about the future of European integration. These internal challenges to democratic norms within the EU not only strain its cohesion but also complicate efforts to reconcile political realities with the EU’s vision of a unified, democratic Europe. In contrast, India, while maintaining its status as the world’s largest democracy, has seen a shift toward more autocratic governance in recent years. The centralization of power, erosion of democratic institutions, and rising nationalism mark a departure from India’s commitment to secularism and pluralism. Policies such as the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the National Register of Citizens (NRC) have sparked domestic and international controversy, raising concerns about religious discrimination and human rights violations. These developments complicate India’s engagement with international human rights bodies and its role in global governance as it balances its internal political trajectory with aspirations to be a global leader. However, India’s approach to global governance is multifaceted. While resisting certain aspects of Western-led initiatives, India has strategically engaged with alternative governance frameworks, asserting influence outside traditional liberal-democratic institutions. Platforms like BRICS and the International Solar Alliance (ISA) exemplify India’s pursuit of a more multipolar world order. This paper examines how the rise of autocratic governance in India and Europe challenges global cooperation, particularly within multilateralism. Through case studies, it explores how these states are reshaping global governance by promoting alternative models of power and authority. Ultimately, this paper argues that the ascendance of autocracies calls for a rethinking of global governance frameworks. The emergence of authoritarian regimes, whether within established democracies like Hungary and Poland or in emerging powers like India, requires a nuanced understanding of shifting global power dynamics. As the world becomes more ideologically diverse and multipolar, global governance structures must evolve to reflect this new geopolitical reality, ensuring their continued relevance and effectiveness in fostering cooperation across a fragmented international system.