Global political trends show rising authoritarianism and intersecting crises

Global political trends indicate a convergence of crises involving climate change, artificial intelligence, and the rise of authoritarianism. The expansion of AI infrastructure requires massive amounts of electricity, water, and minerals, with the International Energy Agency projecting that electricity consumption for these data centers could nearly double by 2030. This technological growth creates a tension between digital economic acceleration and the degradation of natural ecosystems.

Simultaneously, democratic institutions face pressure from autocratization. According to the V-Dem Institute’s Democracy Report 2026, 44 countries were undergoing autocratization processes in 2025, representing 41% of the world's population and 39% of global GDP. In contrast, only 18 countries, including Brazil, were on trajectories of democratization.

Political leaders often utilize fear as a tool to consolidate power, presenting themselves as the sole protectors against perceived threats. This exploitation of insecurity can lead citizens to accept restrictions on their liberties in exchange for promised security, a phenomenon explored through various political theories regarding the social contract and the nature of sovereign power.