International IDEA report warns of global democratic decline

global democracy decline International IDEA report United States democracy democratic erosion rule of law

The International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA) has released its 'Global State of Democracy 2026' report, warning of a significant worldwide decline in democratic values. The report highlights that 2025 marked the 11th consecutive year of global democratic downturn, the longest continuous decline in the organization's recorded history.

The United States is identified as a central driver of this trend. Nearly half of the 30 indicators used to measure U.S. democracy have fallen to their lowest levels since 1975, including critical metrics such as judicial independence, freedom of the press, freedom of expression, and access to justice. Secretary General Kevin Casas-Zamora noted that the administration's actions in the U.S. are subverting political power controls and have global implications, potentially emboldening authoritarian leaders and undermining multilateralism.

While many nations face regression, the report notes specific regional variations. Chile is highlighted as maintaining relatively solid performance in dimensions such as representation and the rule of law, ranking sixth globally in representation. Conversely, the report warns that the erosion of democracy increases the risk of both internal and international conflicts.

Entities

Chile · Donald Trump · International IDEA · International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance · Kevin Casas-Zamora · United States

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 9 SOURCES] The erosion of democracy in the United States is undermining the international system and emboldening authoritarian leaders worldwide. www.lacronicabadajoz.com · www.diariodemallorca.es · www.informacion.es · www.farodevigo.es · www.eldia.es · +4 more
[● 9 SOURCES] Democratic values are declining globally, a trend that has accelerated following Donald Trump's return to the White House. www.lacronicabadajoz.com · www.diariodemallorca.es · www.informacion.es · www.farodevigo.es · www.eldia.es · +4 more
[● 9 SOURCES] The decline in U.S. democracy includes drops in judicial independence, freedom of expression, press freedom, and access to justice. www.lacronicabadajoz.com · www.diariodemallorca.es · www.informacion.es · www.farodevigo.es · www.eldia.es · +4 more
[○ 1 SOURCE] Chile ranks sixth globally in the category of Representation, including aspects such as credible elections and parliamentary efficacy. www.latercera.com
[● 9 SOURCES] Nearly half of the 30 democratic indicators used to measure the United States have fallen to their lowest levels since 1975. www.lacronicabadajoz.com · www.diariodemallorca.es · www.informacion.es · www.farodevigo.es · www.eldia.es · +4 more
[○ 1 SOURCE] The year 2025 marked the 11th consecutive year of global democratic decline, the longest continuous downturn in the organization's records. www.theguardian.com