states. and these trends are being exacerbated by global challenges that are more complex than ever, and which require shared efforts to address these concerns. by outside pressure, from autocrats, they seek to advance their own power, export and expand their influence around the world and justify the repressive policies and practices as a more efficient way to address today's challenges. that's how it is sold. by voices that seek to fan the flames of social division and political polarization, and perhaps most importantly, and worrying of all, most worrying of all, by increasing the dissatisfaction of people all around the world with democratic governments that they feel are failing to deliver for their needs. in my view, this is the defining challenge of our time. democracy, government of the people, by the people, for the people, can at times be fragile but also is inherently