In 2025, the world confronts a profound challenge to democratic governance, arguably the most significant since the Cold War’s end in 1991. That era marked the triumph of liberal democracy over authoritarian communism, ushering in a wave of optimism about the global spread of free societies. Today, however, from the streets of Budapest to the corridors of power in Washington, D.C., democracy faces unprecedented threats. This article, “The Global End of Democracy,” dissects this complex phenomenon, drawing on data from Freedom House, the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), the V-Dem Institute, and the Pew Research Center, alongside other credible sources, to analyze the decline, its multifaceted causes, global hotspots, and potential paths forward.

A Nineteen-Year Decline: Democracy by the Numbers

The decline of democracy is no longer a theory debated in academic journals or policy roundtables—it is a lived global reality, one that is measurable, traceable, and deeply alarming. The latest findings from respected watchdogs reveal a sustained and systemic erosion of democratic norms across continents, marking a clear reversal from the post-Cold War optimism that once heralded the “end of history” and the presumed inevitability of liberal democracy.

According to Freedom House’s Freedom in the World 2025 report, the year 2024 represented the 19th consecutive year of global democratic decline. This nearly two-decade-long backslide is unprecedented in the modern era. Of the 195 countries evaluated, 60 experienced a net decline in political rights or civil liberties in 2024 alone—ranging from censorship crackdowns to politically motivated prosecutions and violent suppression of dissent. In contrast, only 34 countries registered improvements, a lopsided imbalance that underscores the growing fragility of democratic systems worldwide.

The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) offers a similarly bleak picture. Its 2024 Democracy Index—which assesses the health of electoral processes, political participation, civil liberties, and government functioning—fell to 5.17, down from 5.23 in 2023. This is the lowest global score recorded since the index’s creation in 2006, reflecting widespread democratic malaise, from mature democracies suffering institutional dysfunction to nascent ones facing outright backsliding.

Yet it is the V-Dem Institute’s Democracy Report 2025 that sounds the loudest alarm. V-Dem (Varieties of Democracy), which compiles one of the most comprehensive datasets on democratic health, reports that the average global citizen now experiences a level of democracy equivalent to that of 1985—a time when the Soviet Union still loomed and apartheid still reigned in South Africa. In other words, the democratic progress made over the last four decades has been almost entirely reversed for much of the world’s population.

Perhaps most strikingly, V-Dem finds that 3.1 billion people, or 38% of the world’s population, now live in countries undergoing autocratization—a process whereby democratic institutions, freedoms, and checks and balances are actively being dismantled. In many of these countries, elections are held but lack fairness, media is muzzled, and opposition voices are persecuted. From Hungary to India, the erosion is often led not by military coups but by democratically elected leaders who gradually centralize power.

For the first time since 2002, autocracies outnumber democracies globally. V-Dem’s tally shows 91 autocracies compared to 88 democracies—a symbolic yet telling shift that suggests the global tide is no longer turning toward openness and pluralism, but rather toward repression and control.

Even more concerning is the human dimension of these shifts. Only 12% of the world’s population currently lives in what V-Dem classifies as liberal democracies—countries that uphold not only elections but also the rule of law, separation of powers, and protection of individual freedoms. That figure is the lowest in 50 years. Meanwhile, a staggering 72% of humanity—about 5.8 billion people—reside under autocratic rule, whether in outright dictatorships or in “electoral autocracies” where democratic processes exist in name only.

V-Dem has termed this global pattern the “third wave of autocratization,” drawing a grim parallel to Samuel Huntington’s original concept of “waves” of democratization. Unlike the hopeful third wave of democracy that swept Latin America, Eastern Europe, and parts of Asia in the late 20th century, this new wave is regressive, persistent, and multifaceted. And unlike previous democratic recessions, it is not confined to a specific region or ideology—it is unfolding in both developing and developed countries, across the political spectrum, and in institutions that were once considered resilient.

Together, these statistics do more than chart a trend—they signal a turning point. The democratic project, once seen as an unstoppable force of history, now faces its most serious existential test in decades. Unless reversed, the 2020s may be remembered not for consolidating freedom, but for enabling a global return to authoritarianism.

The Collapse Within: Causes of Democratic Decline

The unraveling of democracy stems not from a single force but from a web of interlinked factors that reinforce one another:

1. The Rise of Elected Autocrats

Across continents, ambitious politicians have exploited electoral mandates to dismantle checks and balances, transforming democracies into “electoral autocracies”—hybrid regimes where regular elections occur but fail to meet standards of freedom and fairness Wikipedia. In Hungary, Viktor Orbán’s Fidesz party has systematically reshaped the constitution, seized control of the judiciary, and consolidated media ownership, prompting Freedom House to downgrade the country to Partly Free in 2025 Freedom House. Similarly, in Turkey, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has amassed power through constitutional amendments, mass arrests of critics, and pervasive surveillance, earning a Not Free rating from Freedom House Freedom House.

2. Civil Liberties Under Siege

At the core of democratic decay is the assault on fundamental freedoms. Freedom House reports that freedom of expression has declined more than any other metric over the past 19 years, with the number of countries scoring zero for media freedom tripling from 13 in 2005 to 34 in 2024 Freedom House. Meanwhile, V-Dem finds that half of all autocratizing regimes employ state-sponsored disinformation campaigns and enact restrictive laws to curb protests, NGOs, and independent research—effectively criminalizing dissent and shrinking civic space v-dem.net.

3. Electoral Manipulation and Violence

Free and fair elections are increasingly compromised. AP News analysis shows that in 2024, violence or unrest marred 26 out of 62 national elections—approximately 42%—as polling stations faced attacks, ballots were torched, and voters were intimidated by armed groups AP News. Such tactics erode trust in electoral outcomes and discourage citizen participation, turning the ballot box into a battleground.

4. Misinformation and Digital Disinformation

The digital age has weaponized information. V-Dem identifies spikes in state-led disinformation in at least half of autocratizing countries, where ruling elites exploit social media to discredit opponents and sow confusion v-dem.net. The January 6, 2021, U.S. Capitol riot epitomizes this threat: internal documents reveal how Facebook groups swelled with election-denial posts—over 650,000 in the weeks surrounding the vote—fueling real-world violence The Washington Post.

5. Public Apathy and Polarization

As faith in democracy wanes, citizen disengagement deepens the crisis. A Pew Research survey of 24 countries finds a median 59% of respondents dissatisfied with how democracy is working in their nation, with majorities expressing disillusionment in 17 countries Pew Research Center. Concurrently, V-Dem data show rising ideological and social polarization in dozens of states, where echo chambers and identity politics cripple consensus-building and fuel fragmentation v-dem.net.

6. Institutional Erosion

Democratic norms rely on independent judiciaries, legislatures, and free media—bulwarks now under siege. In the United States, the aftermath of the 2020 election and the Capitol attack led the Economist Intelligence Unit to demote America to a “flawed democracy,” while Freedom House recorded declines in checks and balances Democratic Erosion Consortium. Meanwhile, India was downgraded from a democracy to an electoral autocracy in 2020, amid credible reports of judicial interference and press harassment under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s administration The Carter Center.

Regional Case Studies: A Global Unraveling

The crisis of democratic backsliding plays out in unique national contexts, yet the symptoms—media control, judicial interference, and political repression—are alarmingly familiar.

Hungary: From Democratic Beacon to “Partly Free”

Just fifteen years ago, Hungary was celebrated as a poster child of post-communist democratization. Today, Freedom House classifies it as Partly Free, with a score of 65/100—down from 85 in 2010. Since coming to power in 2010, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s Fidesz party has engineered constitutional changes, stacked the Constitutional Court with loyalists, and asserted control over roughly 80% of national media outlets, effectively muzzling independent journalism. Critics say these moves have hollowed out checks and balances, turning once-vibrant civil society spaces into government echo chambers. Freedom HouseFreedom House

India: The World’s Largest “Electoral Autocracy”

In 2021, the V-Dem Institute reclassified India—home to 1.4 billion people—as an “electoral autocracy.” Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, mass arrests of activists, internet shutdowns in restive regions, and stringent new laws restricting foreign funding for NGOs have chipped away at civil liberties. Local journalists face defamation suits and police intimidation when reporting on corruption or religious violence, helping to drive India’s liberal democracy score to its lowest level since independence. v-dem.net

Russia: Autocracy Cemented by a Sham Election

Russia has long since shed any pretense of competitive politics. In the March 2024 vote, President Vladimir Putin claimed 88% of the ballot in a tightly controlled campaign where genuine opposition figures were jailed or exiled. Reuters noted that tens of thousands of state-sponsored observers patrolled polling stations, while critics described the process as “electoral theater” with results foreordained. Behind the show, civil society is criminalized, and independent media operate under constant threat of closure. ReutersAP News

United States: A “Flawed Democracy” in Retreat?

Once the standard-bearer of liberal democracy, the United States has been labeled a “flawed democracy” by the Economist Intelligence Unit since 2016, ranking 28th globally with a stagnant score in 2024. The contested aftermath of the 2020 presidential election, culminating in the January 6 Capitol riot, exposed vulnerabilities in electoral certification and law enforcement. Polarized legislatures have passed restrictive voting laws in several states, and trust in mainstream media has plunged to record lows, raising doubts about the resilience of U.S. democratic institutions. Economist Intelligence UnitThe Economist

Brazil: A Fragile Democratic Renaissance

Brazil’s democratic trajectory has swung dramatically. Under Jair Bolsonaro (2018–2022), presidential attacks on the Supreme Court and the press alarmed observers, pushing Brazil toward the brink of authoritarianism. Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s return in late 2022 brought legal reforms and a partial restoration of institutional autonomy. According to V-Dem, Brazil is one of only 19 countries on a positive democratization path—but its recovery is fragile, with high political polarization and ongoing mistrust of electoral bodies. v-dem.net

Other Troubled Democracies

• Turkey remains Not Free, with President Erdoğan’s 12-year rule marked by mass purges of the judiciary and a near-complete clampdown on dissenting media Freedom House.

• Poland, though still nominally Partly Free, has seen its electoral commission restructured for partisan control and a steady erosion of judicial independence Freedom House.

• The Philippines holds regular elections but grapples with rampant disinformation, political violence, and creeping restrictions on press freedom—earning a Partly Free rating with a score of 58/100 Freedom House.

Across these cases, the same pattern emerges: democratic forms persist, but the substance of choice, accountability, and rights is being hollowed out. Understanding these national dynamics is crucial to crafting tailored responses that can halt, and eventually reverse, the global slide toward autocracy.

Signs of Hope: Countries Resisting the Tide

Amid the relentless advance of autocratization, a handful of nations have bucked the global trend, demonstrating that democracy can still deepen and renew itself when political will, civic engagement, and institutional safeguards align.

Bhutan: From Monarchy to Full “Free” Status
In February 2025, Freedom House upgraded Bhutan from Partly Free to Free, the only Asian country to earn that distinction this year. Since introducing parliamentary elections in 2008, the Himalayan kingdom has steadily expanded political participation. The 2023 legislative polls were widely deemed free and fair, and the peaceful transfer of power between competing parties reinforced public trust in democratic norms. Equally significant, Bhutanese authorities have relaxed restrictions on peaceful assembly and lifted onerous press regulations, allowing independent outlets to emerge for the first time in the nation’s history Freedom HouseFreedom House.

Senegal: West Africa’s Democratic Outlier
Senegal stands as one of the few African democracies where power has alternated between rival parties since 2000 without violent upheaval. Despite regional instability, the 2024 presidential election passed muster with international observers praising its transparency—even as a handful of opposition figures faced politically motivated prosecutions. Crucially, Senegal’s Constitutional Council and National Autonomous Electoral Commission retained their independence, counterbalancing executive pressures and averting crises seen elsewhere on the continent Freedom HouseInternational IDEA.

Malaysia: A Rocky but Realistic Reform Trajectory
After six decades under one-party rule, Malaysia’s 2018 election brought the reform-focused Pakatan Harapan coalition to power, pledging to repeal draconian laws and bolster media freedom. Early victories included the scrapping of the Anti-Fake News Act and a 22-place jump in the World Press Freedom Index, according to Reporters Without Borders. While subsequent political turbulence has tested these gains, civil society groups continue to mount legal challenges against restrictive legislation, keeping the promise of deeper reform alive Amnesty MalaysiaNottingham University Malaysia.

Taiwan: Democracy Under Pressure, Yet Unbowed
Facing constant geopolitical tension with China, Taiwan has nonetheless maintained one of Asia’s most open political systems. Freedom House notes “robust protections for civil liberties” and regular, high-turnout elections that produced peaceful transfers of power in 2024. Despite Beijing’s disinformation campaigns aimed at sowing discord, Taiwan’s vibrant press and active civic networks have effectively countered outside interference, reinforcing public confidence in democratic governance Freedom House.

The Baltic States: Europe’s Stalwart Frontline
Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania—once subsumed by Soviet rule—now rank among Europe’s freest countries. Estonia leads with a 96/100 Freedom House score, reflecting strong judicial independence and media plurality. These nations have withstood waves of Russian propaganda and cyberattacks by investing heavily in digital security and strengthening parliamentary oversight. Their resilience offers a blueprint for defending democracy against both overt and covert subversion Freedom House.

Together, these examples illustrate that democratic renewal is not only possible but can flourish even amid global headwinds. Key to their success has been a combination of committed leadership, vibrant civil society, and institutions capable of enforcing checks and balances—ingredients that restive democracies elsewhere would do well to emulate.

What’s Next? Paths to Democratic Renewal

Is the end of democracy inevitable? Not necessarily. Reversing decades of democratic erosion demands urgent, coordinated action across multiple fronts:

1. Reinforce Institutions
Strong, independent institutions—judiciaries, parliaments, and free media—are democracy’s backbone. International IDEA’s Global State of Democracy Report 2024 urges insulating courts from executive overreach through transparent appointment processes, adequate funding, and specialized training for judges International IDEA. Meanwhile, initiatives like the EU’s Media Freedom Rapid Response provide legal aid and emergency support to threatened journalists across Europe, underscoring the need to safeguard editorial independence as a check on power.

2. Protect Rights
Legal guarantees for freedoms of expression, assembly, and association must be more than rhetoric. Governments should repeal or reform draconian laws that criminalize peaceful protest or restrict NGO activities, while empowering national human rights institutions to document abuses and hold authorities to account. Bolstered by international solidarity and targeted funding, civil society can ensure that marginalized voices remain central to democratic discourse.

3. Guarantee Free Elections
Transparent, credible elections hinge on robust legal frameworks and independent oversight. The OSCE’s Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) recommends exhaustive reviews of electoral legislation, enforcement of anti-fraud measures, and comprehensive training for poll workers—strategies highlighted in its 2025 post-election mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina OSCE. Expanding both domestic and international observer programs can deter intimidation and reinforce voter confidence.

4. Combat Disinformation
Unchecked misinformation corrodes public trust in democratic processes. The EU’s Digital Services Act and its Code of Conduct require platforms to assess systemic disinformation risks, increase transparency in content moderation, and offer robust appeal mechanisms for users Shaping Europe’s digital futureShaping Europe’s digital future. These legal safeguards, paired with media literacy campaigns in schools and communities, can inoculate citizens against false narratives and reinforce critical engagement with online content.

5. Promote Civic Engagement
Reinvigorating public participation tackles political apathy head-on. Participatory budgeting—where residents vote directly on municipal spending—has empowered communities from Porto Alegre to Chicago, boosting accountability and trust in local government maptionnaire.com. Portugal’s Cascais program, allocating up to 15% of its budget to citizen-led projects, demonstrates how deep, scalable engagement can reshape democratic practice The New Yorker. Complementary civic education—through school curricula and public forums—builds the skills and habits necessary for sustained involvement.

Emerging Technologies: Enhancing Integrity and Access
Innovations like secure internet voting and blockchain have the potential to strengthen electoral integrity and expand access. Estonia’s i-voting system, adopted by over half its electorate, offers end-to-end verifiability and resilience against tampering, illustrating technology’s role in bolstering trust e-Estonia. In the United States, West Virginia’s 2018 mobile voting pilot for overseas service members used blockchain to create a tamper-evident ballot trail, pioneering new avenues for inclusive participation GovTech.

This multifaceted blueprint—reinforcing institutions, protecting rights, ensuring free elections, combating disinformation, promoting engagement, and responsibly harnessing technology—provides a roadmap for democratic renewal. History shows that democracy is never a finished project; it requires constant vigilance, adaptive reforms, and the unrelenting commitment of citizens. The next chapter of global governance is unwritten: will it be one of revival or further retreat?

Conclusion: The Stakes of Silence

Democracy’s retreat is no longer an abstract warning—it manifests in the closing of newsrooms, the shuttering of NGOs, and parliaments that nod in unison to executive decrees. Around the globe, dissenters face fines, jail terms, or worse, as regimes deploy both digital surveillance and brute force to silence critics. The consequences ripple far beyond political rights, undermining economic opportunity, social cohesion, and even global security.

Yet history offers a powerful counterpoint to today’s nihilism. Freedom House’s own fifty-year timeline reveals a remarkable “stickiness” to free status: once societies secure genuine liberties, they tend to defend and sustain them, even under intense pressure Freedom House.

Consider South Africa, which in 1994 emerged from decades of apartheid to hold the world’s first fully inclusive elections. As the nation marked 30 years of freedom in April 2024, millions still celebrate Freedom Day—a testament to a transition once deemed impossible AP News.

Or look to Germany, whose post-war Basic Law, drafted in 1949 as a provisional constitution, not only survived the Cold War but has become one of the world’s most enduring democratic charters. Seventy-five years on, Germans commemorated its anniversary with a Festival of Democracy, underscoring public pride in institutions rebuilt from the ashes of totalitarianism The Guardian.

More recently, in Georgia, citizens sustained months of pro-European protests—despite arrests, beatings, and de facto curfews—to demand free elections and fundamental rights, illustrating that the human impulse for self-government cannot be extinguished by force Wikipedia.

These milestones remind us that democratic revival is possible even after profound setbacks. But resilience is not automatic—it demands active engagement: courageous journalists who refuse to self-censor; civil society groups that rebuild civic trust; and ordinary citizens who vote, protest, and hold power to account. International bodies, solidarity networks, and emerging tools—from independent funding channels to secure voting technologies—can bolster these efforts, but the spark must come from people.

The trials of 2025 reveal democracy’s fragility, yet they also illuminate its enduring promise. Silence in the face of oppression gorges the path to autocracy; speech, assembly, and petition reclaim it. The question now is not whether democracy can be saved—it is whether we, collectively and without hesitation, will choose to save it.