Democracy, Perception, and Power: Are Citizens Asking the Right Questions?
Are Citizens Asking the Right Questions? In every democracy — whether in the United States or India — political power ultimately rests on public belief. Not just belief in leaders. But belief in institutions. Belief in elections. Belief in courts. Belief in media. And when belief weakens, democracy trembles. The Power of Perception Modern politics is no longer fought only in ballot boxes. It is fought in headlines, television studios, social media feeds, and algorithmic timelines. Media organizations, polling agencies, and digital platforms shape how citizens perceive popularity, momentum, and legitimacy. When one party appears “inevitable,” it can influence undecided voters. Psychologists call this the bandwagon effect — people tend to align with what they believe is winning. But here’s the deeper question: Are citizens evaluating information critically — or consuming it passively? In the United States, controversies following the 2020 election tested institutional trust. In India, d...
