Democracy at 50-Year Low
US Democracy Indicators Hit 50-Year Lows Amid Broad Global Democratic Decline
Anonymous
Key Points
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International IDEA’s assessment covers 174 countries and tracks democratic development from 1975 onward, making it one of the broadest long-term evaluations of democracy.
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The global deterioration was especially pronounced in the rule of law: 71 countries—41% of those assessed—received low scores in 2025, while 29 countries recorded further declines on that measure.
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International IDEA reported that judicial independence reached a 36-year low globally and credible elections fell to a 30-year low, adding detail to the broader decline in democratic rights and institutions.
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Europe recorded 77 democratic setbacks across 154 indicators between 2020 and 2025, compared with 42 improvements; Portugal declined on six indicators, while Southern Europe recorded no improvements during the period.
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The report links democratic deterioration to a worsening security environment: data from Uppsala University’s Conflict Data Program showed that 2025 had the highest number of violent conflicts in its dataset, which dates back to 1946.
The United States hit a 50-year low on core democracy measures in 2025, International IDEA reported. Judicial independence, press freedom, election credibility and access to justice all declined sharply. The international watchdog tied the deterioration to expanded executive power that has weakened checks and balances.
Globally, the trend is worse. NPR reported that 2025 marked the 11th straight year with more countries sliding backward than improving. About 57% of nations worsened in at least one major indicator between 2020 and 2025, signaling a worldwide democratic recession.
U.S. Democratic Institutions Weaken Across the Board
Five key pillars of American democracy have crumbled. WNYC noted that judicial independence, press freedom, freedom of expression, election credibility and access to justice all reached 50-year lows. Dr. Seema Shah, who heads International IDEA's democracy assessment team, found that weakened rule-of-law institutions are increasing risks of both domestic and international conflict.
Global Rule of Law Crisis Deepens
Rule of law took the hardest hit worldwide. Press TV reported that 71 countries—41% of those assessed—scored low on rule of law in 2025. Additionally, 29 countries recorded further declines on that measure alone. Judicial independence fell to a 36-year global low, and credible elections hit a 30-year low.
International IDEA tracks 174 countries dating back to 1975, making it one of the broadest long-term evaluations available. The assessment covers nearly five decades of democratic trends, offering solid historical perspective on how far democracies have fallen.
Europe Loses Ground on Civil Liberties and Press Freedom
Europe recorded more setbacks than gains between 2020 and 2025. South Carolina Public Radio reported 77 democratic setbacks across 154 indicators, compared with just 42 improvements. Portugal declined on six separate indicators. Southern Europe recorded zero improvements during the five-year span.
The declines hit hardest on civil liberties, access to justice, electoral integrity and press freedom. International IDEA did not conclude that European democracy faces immediate existential danger. But the trend line is sharply downward across the continent.
Democratic Decline Linked to Surge in Global Conflicts
Weakened democracies correlate with rising violence worldwide. Data from Uppsala University's Conflict Data Program shows 2025 had the highest number of violent conflicts in its dataset, which stretches back to 1946. International IDEA warns that democratic regression is emboldening authoritarian leaders and eroding international cooperation.
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