WorldJuly 4, 2026
backsliding
/ˈbækˌslaɪdɪŋ/
Definition
The process of regressing or relapsing into previous, less desirable states or practices, specifically referring to the decline of democratic standards and institutions.
Etymology
Derived from the verb 'backslide,' a compound of 'back' and 'slide' that originated in the 17th century, originally used in a religious context to describe the abandonment of one's faith.
In the news
The article uses the term to describe the troubling global trend where democratic governance and norms are weakening, which complicates the ability of Indigenous organizations to operate effectively.
Negotiating Authority: Indigenous Diplomacy Across Arctic and Global Governance
Read the full article ↗HARVARD Kennedy School - Belfer Center