The majority of the world population does not live under representative democracies.  Specifically, over 51% live under “hybrid” or “authoritarian” regimes.  Countries in the world with the worst human rights (political and civil rights) ratings include North Korea, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Sudan, Eritrea, Somalia, and Equatorial Guinea.  Democracy indices (taking into account electoral process, functioning of government, political participation, political culture and civil liberties) place the US at 19th out of 167 countries (e.g., behind Northern European countries, Canada, and Australia).

 

Economist Intelligence Unit – Democracy Index (2011)

Freedom House – The World’s Most Repressive Societies