1.   As democracy blossoms, a global economic revolution has ushered much of the world into an era of borderless commerce.

2.   But as democracy has blossomed and opposition parties have gained strength, the ruling party has suffered a steady decline.

3.   Still, there is no guarantee that democracy will blossom.

4.   While democracy has blossomed in some countries, other countries are still under the yoke of authoritarianism.