The Democracy Deficit: A Global Crisis Looms as US Sets a Troubling Example

The latest report from the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA) paints a dire picture of democratic health around the world. Key indicators have fallen to their lowest levels in 50 years, with the United States playing a significant role in this decline – not just as a symptom, but as a cause.

The thinktank’s Global State of Democracy report assesses democratic performance across 174 countries since 1975. While it highlights some positive developments, such as youth-led protests toppling long-serving leaders in Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, the overall trend is clear: democracies are eroding rapidly.

The US stands out for its own deteriorating democracy and global influence. The report notes that events in America have far-reaching consequences, from undermining rule of law domestically to testing international alliances. This crisis goes beyond partisan politics – it speaks to a deeper problem with democratic values and institutions.

The Stockholm-based thinktank highlights the decline of judicial independence, credible elections, freedom of expression, press freedom, and access to justice. These are essential components of any functioning democracy. As Kevin Casas-Zamora, International IDEA’s secretary general, warns, the erosion of these fundamentals has a direct correlation with an increase in conflict.

The connection between democratic decay and rising violence is not new. However, it’s striking that this trend is accelerating at a time when global cooperation is more critical than ever. The Uppsala Conflict Data Program shows that 2025 saw the most violent conflicts of any year in its dataset since 1946.

It’s tempting to view these developments through a partisan lens, blaming one administration or ideology for the decline. However, this oversimplifies the problem. The reality is more complex – and disturbing. International IDEA’s assessment of the US as a “backsliding” democracy for the first time in 2021 points to a long-term trend that began in 2019.

The implications are profound. If democratic institutions and values continue to erode, we can expect an increase in conflict, instability, and even violence. Casas-Zamora notes that investing in democracy should be at the heart of any country’s security strategy – not just because it’s morally imperative but also because it’s a pragmatic necessity.

The US has a special responsibility to lead by example, requiring more than just lip service – a sustained commitment to defending and strengthening democratic institutions. We must also recognize that democracy is not a static state but a dynamic process that requires constant nurturing. This means investing in civic education, promoting media freedom, and protecting the rights of civil society organizations.

While there are positive developments worth highlighting, such as Australia’s government consulting with civil society groups on anti-racism strategies and children’s online privacy, these are just glimmers of light in a rapidly darkening landscape. The real question is: what comes next? Will we continue to see the erosion of democracy as an inevitable trend, or will we take action to stem its decline and invest in the institutions that underpin it?

Ultimately, the answer lies not just with policymakers but also with ordinary citizens who demand better from their leaders. As Casas-Zamora notes, “We live in a volatile world, and that means things can happen which create very positive political openings.” Let’s seize those opportunities – before it’s too late.