Institute for Democracy: Half of the World’s Democracies in Decline

Half of the world’s democracies are in a state of decline, with a deterioration of civil liberties and the rule of law, while authoritarian governments are becoming increasingly repressive, warned the Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA) based in Stockholm on Wednesday.

In its annual report, IDEA states that democratic institutions are being undermined due to issues that include, among other things, restrictions on freedom of expression and growing distrust in the legitimacy of elections.

As specific challenges, IDEA highlights several factors contributing to the worsening state of democracy worldwide: the Russian war in Ukraine, the impending global recession, climate change, and the COVID-19 pandemic.

– The world is facing multiple crises simultaneously, from rising living costs to the risk of nuclear conflict and a galloping climate crisis. At the same time, we are witnessing a decline in democratic standards worldwide. This is a toxic mix – the report for the 2022 study states.

Hungary, Poland, USA

IDEA has been monitoring and collecting data on the state of democracies worldwide since 1975. The institute bases its Global State of Democracy index on more than 100 variables, from freedom of expression to personal integrity and security issues.

The report notes that the number of countries that have “regressed,” where serious erosion of democracy has been recorded, has never been so high.

As countries with issues of extreme political polarization, dysfunctional institutions, and threats to civil liberties, IDEA mentions Poland, Hungary, and the USA.

In Europe, nearly half of democracies are experiencing a decline, but it is emphasized that democratic values and institutions are a key shield against Russian aggression, not only in Ukraine but also in the countries of the region.

– The Russian war in Ukraine has shaken Europe, forcing it to reconsider its security environment and to tackle the energy crisis and food insecurity crisis – the report states.

Democracy at the global level, the report concludes, is exposed to various threats, with the burning issue being the legitimacy of electoral results, restrictions on freedoms and rights on the internet, entrenched corruption, and the rise of far-right parties.

– It has never been more urgent for democracies to respond to these challenges and to show their citizens that it is possible to forge new, innovative social ties that do not divide us but unite us – emphasizes IDEA.

Regarding authoritarian regimes, IDEA claims that their number has doubled in the last six years, but Africa has proven to be more resilient to instabilities in the world, with Gambia, Niger, and Zambia recording democratic progress.