Democracy Under Pressure: Global Trends and Regional Variations

The analysis examines the global state of democracy, revealing a concerning trend of weakening democratic institutions in many countries. The report, ‘The Global State of Democracy 2025,’ analyzes 173 nations, with 94 showing a decline. The report underscores the importance of free and fair elections, access to justice, and effective governance. The United States, despite its high ranking in participation, faces challenges in representation and rights. Africa and Europe show significant setbacks, with West Asia lagging. The report also highlights the erosion of press freedom, citing the worst decline in five decades, with countries like Afghanistan, Myanmar, and Burkina Faso experiencing the most severe challenges for journalists. This global assessment suggests that the strength of democratic institutions is under considerable pressure, demanding attention and action to safeguard the values of democracy.