Since 1989, some 30% of the world's population has experienced a shift away from authoritarian rule. In 1992 Freedom House rated 75 states "free", 73 "partially free" and 38 "not free". It also lists 99 formal democracies (of which 23 were rated "partly free" and one "not free"), 31 hybrid authoritarian regimes making some gestures towards democracy, and a residue consisting largely of Communist and military regimes and feudal Middle Eastern kingdoms.
In many countries, policies are adapted to serve the needs of multinational corporations, frequently undermining stable communities, unpolluted environments and dignified employment. Governement dependence on corporate contributions becomes the determining factor in many elections, thus undermining the ability of governments to respond to the needs of people.
Since the most ancient times, the world's greatest thinkers have spoken out in favour of stable social orders based on democracy. Virtually all the great thinkers of the modern world regard freedom and equality as the indispensible foundations of democracy.