politics

An industrial factory emits thick plumes of smoke from multiple chimneys near the Yangtze River in China. The greyish-white smoke billows into the overcast sky, partially obscuring the green, terraced hills in the background. The factory complex is surrounded by dense vegetation in the foreground, contrasting sharply with the pollution above.

Proxy Measures

Democracies may appear greener by offshoring pollution, shifting environmental harm to less democratic countries.

A tightly stacked wall of yellow metal ballot boxes from the 2007 Philippine Barangay Elections in Davao. Each box is labelled either “VALID BALLOTS” or “SPOILED BALLOTS” in embossed capital letters. One box near the centre features a glass window, standing out among the otherwise solid fronts. The boxes are weathered, with some showing signs of rust, dents, and faded paint.

Disposition

Democratic countries are linked to kinder personalities and greater wellbeing than autocratic regimes.