Democracy and human rights are facing their most significant challenges in decades, according to a comprehensive new study that paints a troubling picture of global democratic decline. The report, released yesterday by the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA), reveals that more than half of the world’s democratic governments are experiencing erosion in their democratic foundations.
The findings indicate that 104 countries have shown evidence of democratic backsliding over the past five years—a stark contrast to the mere 12 nations demonstrating democratic improvements during the same period. This represents the most severe global democratic regression since IDEA began tracking these metrics.
“What we’re witnessing isn’t simply a temporary setback but a sustained pattern of democratic erosion across continents,” explains Dr. Monica Ramirez, lead researcher for the study. “The combination of rising authoritarianism, weakening checks and balances, and eroding civil liberties creates a perfect storm for democratic institutions.”
Particularly concerning is the deterioration occurring in established democracies, not just in emerging ones. Countries previously considered bastions of democratic values have implemented measures restricting media freedoms, judicial independence, and electoral integrity. The CO24 World desk has previously reported on several of these concerning developments in nations across Europe and North America.
The study identifies several driving factors behind this democratic retreat. Economic inequality has fueled populist movements that often undermine democratic norms once in power. Digital disinformation campaigns have polarized societies and undermined trust in democratic processes, while the COVID-19 pandemic provided cover for governments to implement emergency measures that restricted civil liberties without appropriate oversight.
“Many of these emergency powers have remained in place long after the acute health crisis subsided,” notes Canadian political scientist Dr. Thomas Chen in an interview with CO24 Politics. “What begins as a temporary response to crisis often becomes normalized, creating new baselines for government control.”
The report doesn’t spare Canada from criticism, citing concerns about declining press freedoms and transparency issues in several provinces. While Canada maintains its position among stronger democracies, the research warns against complacency in the face of global democratic retreat.
Perhaps most alarming is the report’s finding that authoritarian regimes have grown increasingly sophisticated in their methods. Rather than overtly abolishing democratic institutions, many governments maintain democratic appearances while hollowing out substantive democratic functions—holding elections but manipulating their outcomes, allowing opposition parties but hampering their ability to compete fairly, and permitting media outlets to operate while applying economic and legal pressure to control content.
The economic implications of this democratic backsliding are significant, according to CO24 Business analysis. Nations experiencing democratic erosion show declining foreign investment, increasing corruption, and greater economic volatility—creating a concerning feedback loop where economic challenges further undermine democratic governance.
Despite these troubling trends, the report identifies reasons for cautious optimism. Civil society organizations have demonstrated remarkable resilience in many countries, developing innovative approaches to protect democratic spaces. Youth-led movements have emerged as powerful democratic advocates, using digital tools to mobilize support for accountability and transparency.
As democratic institutions face unprecedented pressure worldwide, the fundamental question remains: Will this period be remembered as the beginning of democracy’s global retreat, or will it spark a renewed commitment to strengthening democratic values and institutions for the next generation?
