In the coming years, Western countries may experience a further disconnect between their citizens and democratic institutions, leading to increased distrust. This could be fueled by the growing complexity and impact of global crises, which may benefit populist and anti-democratic movements. Furthermore, democracy may face destabilization worldwide due to mounting economic problems. Inefficient decision-making in politics might also contribute to rising frustration among the people.

Some argue that democracy, once seen as a highly valued system, is now considered an overrated popularity contest. They suggest that a different system is emerging to replace it. Additionally, authoritarian regimes seem to face little consequence for their actions, including engaging in war conflicts and violating human rights. This lack of accountability empowers these regimes, resulting in a decline in the global democracy index.

As the number of climate refugees continues to rise, countries hosting them might experience a rise in populist movements. This correlation indicates a potential connection between the two phenomena. Moreover, there is a concern that the tragedy of the commons may persist, where individual self-interest undermines the well-being of the entire community.

Looking ahead, there is a possibility of entering a new era dominated by Middle Eastern rulers. These rulers hold significant economic power, controlling both renewable energy resources and oil reserves. They may expand their influence behind the scenes of Western democracies, potentially shaping global dynamics in the process.

As the power of cities and regions grows, moving away from nation-states, new opportunities arise for citizens to engage in democratic processes. Government systems are evolving beyond popularity contests, focusing on substantive policies and leadership qualities that truly benefit the public. Similar to Switzerland, an aggressive democratic system encourages citizens to vote on a wide range of issues, ensuring continuous and direct public involvement in governance. This transition signifies a shift from representative democracy to a participative one, where governance becomes less centralized and citizens have a more active role in decision-making. However, we might also see the rise of a new era of kingdoms, particularly in the Middle East, where rulers hold significant economic influence. Controlling both renewables and oil reserves, they could potentially expand their power behind the scenes of western democracies.

In a democracy, citizens are given the opportunity to participate, and their quality may be evaluated to determine their eligibility. One possibility is the introduction of a merit-based system, which could consider factors like knowledge and education when deciding who can vote. However, to implement this system, a fair and balanced method would be necessary to assess these qualifications and determine voting rights.

Another potential development could be the emergence of an "extreme voting" system, where every decision is put to a vote. This would allow for extensive direct democratic participation, ensuring that citizens have a say in all matters.

In the future, there may be a shift in power dynamics as the global south increasingly turns towards western democracies. In many cases, they might prioritize security over freedom and form alliances with eastern players like China, India, and Russia. This shift could lead to a decline in the influence of western democracies, with power shifting towards the east.

Overall, the future of democracy could involve the implementation of a merit-based voting system and the rise of extreme voting. Additionally, the global south might align itself with eastern powers, potentially leading to a redistribution of global power.