Global Democracy Report: US Decline Hits 50-Year Lows, Spilling Conflict Risks Worldwide
A new report from the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA) finds that US democratic indicators have fallen to their lowest levels since 1975, with seven statistically significant declines between 2020 and 2025. The report argues that this erosion is not isolated but is actively destabilizing global democracy, undermining international law, and increasing the risk of violent conflict. While the US decline is attributed to the concentration of power in the executive branch and the weakening of institutional checks, the report notes that this trend is part of a broader global recession in democratic norms, with 57% of countries showing deterioration in at least one area. Despite the bleak outlook, the report highlights that democratic decline is not inevitable and can be reversed through civic engagement and security-focused resilience strategies.