The End of American Exceptionalism?

Billy Odell Tucker-Robinson Founder & Host — Banking With Billy Network • Intelligence Network • Data Science • AI Research • World News
Published: 2026-09-20T05:02:42.484Z • Permanent link

Recent revelations have exposed a concerning trend: liberal democracy is experiencing a global retreat, including in its birthplace, the United States. The data points are stark. According to a Pew Research Center analysis, only 36% of Americans believe that the country is a "great" or "excellent" place to live, down from 63% in 2009. This decline is mirrored in other developed democracies, where similar sentiment has plummeted. For instance, a 2022 survey by the International Social Survey Programme found that only 25% of Europeans believe their country is a "good" place to live.

These numbers are not mere opinions; they are grounded in empirical data. In the United States, the decline of liberal democracy is evident in the erosion of trust in institutions. A 2022 Gallup poll revealed that only 28% of Americans have "a great deal" or "quite a lot" of confidence in the federal government, down from 54% in 2009. Similarly, a 2022 survey by the Knight Foundation found that 64% of Americans believe the government is "not doing enough" to address the country's problems. These findings are not limited to the United States; similar trends are observed in other countries, including Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia.

The reasons behind this retreat are complex and multifaceted. However, one factor is clear: the spread of misinformation and disinformation has contributed significantly to the erosion of trust in institutions. Social media platforms, which were initially touted as a means of democratizing information, have become breeding grounds for conspiracy theories and hate speech. The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated this trend, with many governments and institutions struggling to combat the spread of disinformation.

The implications of this trend are far-reaching and have significant real-world consequences for companies, research communities, and markets. In the financial sector, for instance, the decline of liberal democracy has led to increased regulatory uncertainty. The European Union's Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation, which aims to promote environmental, social, and governance (ESG) investing, has been met with resistance from some investors who are concerned about the potential impact on their returns. Similarly, in the technology sector, the spread of misinformation has led to increased scrutiny of social media platforms and their role in disseminating false information.

The decline of liberal democracy also has significant implications for research communities. Many universities and research institutions have seen their funding decline in recent years, as governments and private donors become increasingly skeptical of the value of academic research. This trend is particularly concerning for institutions that focus on critical thinking and media literacy, as these skills are essential for navigating the complex information landscape. In the data science community, the spread of misinformation has led to increased demand for more nuanced and context-specific approaches to data analysis.

The retreat of liberal democracy is part of a larger pattern of institutional decay that has been observed in many countries. The rise of populism and nationalism has led to increased polarization and decreased trust in institutions. This trend is also reflected in the decline of traditional media outlets, which have been replaced by social media platforms that prioritize sensationalism over substance. The consequences of this trend are far-reaching, with many countries experiencing increased social unrest and decreased economic stability.