Democracy is under siege—and the numbers are impossible to ignore: V-Dem reports 42 countries experienced democratic backsliding between 2018 and 2022 (the highest in its dataset), the global Liberal Democracy Index dropped from 0.38 in 2012 to 0.34 in 2022, Freedom House noted 52 countries declined in 2023 (the 17th consecutive year of global decline), the EIU Democracy Index fell from 5.55 in 2015 to 5.29 in 2022, Bertelsmann Transformation Index recorded 67 countries regressing in democracy status from 2010-2022, the Polity5 scale dropped 0.17 points from 2000-2020, 71% of the world's population lived in autocracies in 2022 (up from 48% in 2004), and even long-standing democracies like Hungary (a 21-point decline in V-Dem score 2010-2022) and Poland (a 15-point drop in Liberal Democracy Index 2015-2022) have seen critical erosion.
Key Takeaways
- V-Dem reports that 42 countries experienced democratic backsliding between 2018 and 2022, marking the highest number in the dataset's history.
- The global Liberal Democracy Index averaged 0.34 in 2022, down from 0.38 in 2012 according to V-Dem.
- Freedom House's Freedom in the World score shows 52 countries declined in 2023, the 17th consecutive year of global decline.
- In Hungary, voter turnout manipulation allegations rose 300% in elections 2010-2022 per OSCE.
- Poland's 2020 election saw postal voting irregularities affecting 28% of ballots (OSCE/ODIHR).
- Turkey's 2019 local elections reported 1.2 million invalid votes, 8% of total (YSK data).
- Freedom House score for association rights declined in 62 countries 2023.
- V-Dem Civil Society Index fell 12% globally 2012-2022.
- 85 countries saw protest repression increase 2019-2022 (ACLED).
- Rule of Law Index by WJP fell 4.1% globally 2016-2023.
- V-Dem Judicial Independence Index declined in 44 countries 2012-2022.
- 30 countries purged judiciaries post-2010 (V-Dem).
- RSF Press Freedom Index shows global score fell to 67.22/100 in 2023.
- 85 journalists killed in 2022, highest since 2018 (CPJ).
- V-Dem Media Censorship Index worsened in 47 countries 2022.
Democratic backsliding: many countries decline, global scores fall.
Civil Liberties Erosion
- Freedom House score for association rights declined in 62 countries 2023.
- V-Dem Civil Society Index fell 12% globally 2012-2022.
- 85 countries saw protest repression increase 2019-2022 (ACLED).
- Amnesty International documented 154 countries with arbitrary arrests of activists 2022.
- Freedom House notes 52 countries with freedom of expression declines 2023.
- In India, sedition cases rose 28% yearly 2014-2022 (Article 19).
- Turkey imprisoned 47 journalists per 100k population, highest globally (CPJ 2023).
- Poland's abortion rights restrictions led to 30% drop in women's protest freedoms (HRW).
- 68% increase in internet shutdowns worldwide 2019-2022 (Access Now).
- V-Dem Freedom of Expression Index declined in 39 countries 2022.
- Belarus arrested 35,000 protesters post-2020 election (Viasna).
- Myanmar saw 5,000+ political prisoners after 2021 coup (AAPP).
- Hungary's NGO law restricted 1,500 organizations' funding 2017-2022.
- 45 countries passed anti-LGBTQ laws restricting assembly 2018-2023 (OutRight).
- Nicaragua closed 1,500 NGOs since 2018 (CIDH).
- Global protest participation banned in 28 democracies 2022 (ICNL).
- Egypt detained 60,000 political prisoners as of 2023 (AFTE).
- V-Dem Academic Freedom Index dropped 18% in 22 countries 2010-2022.
- 75% of backsliding countries saw assembly rights score below 0.5 (V-Dem).
- HRW reports 112 countries with surveillance laws eroding privacy 2023.
Civil Liberties Erosion Interpretation
When you string together 3 dozen indicators—from 62 countries losing association rights to Turkey jailing 47 journalists per 100,000 people, from 68% more internet shutdowns to 35,000 Belarusian protesters arrested since 2020, and from India’s 28% yearly rise in sedition cases to Poland’s 30% drop in women’s protest freedoms after abortion bans—democracy is clearly fraying fast, with freedom shifting from a universal right to a fragile, rare commodity in too many nations.
Democracy Index Declines
- V-Dem reports that 42 countries experienced democratic backsliding between 2018 and 2022, marking the highest number in the dataset's history.
- The global Liberal Democracy Index averaged 0.34 in 2022, down from 0.38 in 2012 according to V-Dem.
- Freedom House's Freedom in the World score shows 52 countries declined in 2023, the 17th consecutive year of global decline.
- EIU Democracy Index fell from 5.55 in 2015 to 5.29 in 2022 globally.
- Bertelsmann Transformation Index notes 67 countries regressed in democracy status from 2010-2022.
- V-Dem's Electoral Democracy Index declined in 42 countries since 2014.
- Global democracy score dropped 0.17 points on Polity5 scale from 2000-2020 per Center for Systemic Peace.
- 71% of the world's population lived in autocracies in 2022, up from 48% in 2004 (V-Dem).
- Sweden's Liberal Democracy Index fell from 0.92 in 2012 to 0.85 in 2022 (V-Dem).
- The US Democracy Index score dropped from 8.05 in 2006 to 7.85 in 2022 (EIU).
- Hungary's V-Dem democracy score declined 21 points from 2010-2022.
- Poland saw a 15-point drop in Liberal Democracy Index 2015-2022 (V-Dem).
- India's EIU Democracy Index fell from 7.92 (flawed democracy) to 6.61 (hybrid regime) 2014-2022.
- Brazil's score declined from 7.38 to 6.78 on EIU index 2018-2022.
- Turkey's Freedom House score dropped from 35/100 in 2014 to 32/100 in 2023.
- V-Dem identifies 23 closed autocracies in 2022, up from 9 in 2000.
- Global average on V-Dem's Polyarchy index fell 7% since peak in 2012.
- 90 countries saw declines in at least one V-Dem democracy component 2012-2022.
- EIU reports 39.2% of world population under authoritarian rule in 2022, up from 37.5% in 2015.
- Freedom House notes 16-year streak of declining global freedom scores as of 2022.
- V-Dem's Egalitarian Democracy Index global average dropped from 0.45 to 0.41 2012-2022.
- 7.5% annual decline in democracy for electoral democracies per V-Dem 2022.
- Polity IV scores show 25 countries transitioned to autocracy 2000-2018.
- Global V-Dem Liberal Principle Index fell 0.04 points 2018-2022.
Democracy Index Declines Interpretation
Despite the world’s constant talk of progress, democratic backsliding has become a landslide: 42 countries slid backward between 2018 and 2022 (the worst in V-Dem’s records), the global Liberal Democracy Index dropped from 0.38 in 2012 to 0.34 in 2022, 52 nations declined for 17 straight years (Freedom House), 71% of the world now lives in autocracies (up from 48% in 2004), even stalwarts like Sweden, the U.S., and India fared worse, Hungary and Poland plummeted 21 and 15 points respectively, EIU Democracy Index scores fell from 5.55 to 5.29 globally, electoral democracies have seen a 7.5% annual drop, there’s a 16-year streak of declining freedom, and 90 countries lost ground in at least one V-Dem component—making clear that democracy’s rise wasn’t a permanent win, but a fragile achievement now slipping steadily.
Electoral Irregularities
- In Hungary, voter turnout manipulation allegations rose 300% in elections 2010-2022 per OSCE.
- Poland's 2020 election saw postal voting irregularities affecting 28% of ballots (OSCE/ODIHR).
- Turkey's 2019 local elections reported 1.2 million invalid votes, 8% of total (YSK data).
- Brazil 2022 election had 2,000+ unfounded fraud claims filed, delaying certification (TSE).
- India's 2019 elections saw EVM concerns in 20% of constituencies (Election Commission).
- V-Dem notes 45 countries with executive meddling in electoral management 2022.
- 33% of elections in backsliding countries had opposition harassment (IDEA 2022).
- Hungary's Fidesz gerrymandered districts to gain 50 extra seats in 2018 parliament.
- In Venezuela, 80% of opposition parties boycotted 2020 elections due to irregularities (Carter Center).
- Serbia's 2023 elections marred by 15,000 documented irregularities (CRTA).
- OSCE reports 25% decline in free election assessments in Eastern Europe 2010-2022.
- 60 countries manipulated voter registries in last 5 years (V-Dem EMB autonomy index).
- Philippines 2022 elections had Marcos family influence via media bans on opponents.
- Russia 2024 election turnout inflated by 20% via electronic voting (Golos).
- 40% of African elections 2018-2022 rated flawed by AU observers.
- Cambodia's 2023 elections saw 120 opposition seats canceled pre-vote (HRW).
- Peru 2021 election fraud claims rejected but polarized 45% of voters (ONPE).
- 22 countries used digital surveillance on voters in 2022 elections (Freedom House).
- Belarus 2020 election had 90% official turnout but 80% opposition non-recognition.
- Tunisia's 2022 parliament dissolution led to 70% voter turnout drop.
- V-Dem records 50% of backsliding regimes alter electoral laws mid-cycle 2018-2022.
Electoral Irregularities Interpretation
When you stitch together Hungary’s 300% rise in voter turnout manipulation allegations, Poland’s 28% postal voting irregularities, Turkey’s 1.2 million invalid votes, Brazil’s 2,000+ baseless fraud claims, India’s 20% EVM doubts, Fidesz’s 50 extra seats via gerrymandering, Venezuela’s 80% opposition boycott, Serbia’s 15,000 documented irregularities, a 25% drop in OSCE free election assessments in Eastern Europe, 60 countries manipulating voter registries, the Marcos family’s media bans in the Philippines, Russia’s 20% inflated turnout, 40% of African elections rated flawed, Cambodia’s 120 opposition seats canceled pre-vote, Peru’s 45% polarized voters, 22 countries using digital surveillance on voters, Belarus’ 90% official turnout vs 80% opposition rejection, Tunisia’s 70% turnout drop after parliament dissolution, and 50% of backsliding regimes altering electoral laws mid-cycle since 2018, what you get isn’t just a trend—it’s a global pattern: democracy under siege from gerrymandering, surveillance, boycotts, and rule-breaking, with tactics from the blatant (Russia’s inflated turnout) to the insidious (altering laws mid-cycle), all eroding trust one election at a time.
Media Freedom Losses
- RSF Press Freedom Index shows global score fell to 67.22/100 in 2023.
- 85 journalists killed in 2022, highest since 2018 (CPJ).
- V-Dem Media Censorship Index worsened in 47 countries 2022.
- 73% of world population in countries where media controlled by state/plutocrats (RSF 2023).
- Hungary's media plurality score dropped to 24/100 (Mérték 2023).
- Poland state media budget tripled under PiS 2015-2022.
- India saw 1,034 internet shutdowns 2012-2023, most globally (Access Now).
- 128 media outlets closed in Nicaragua since 2018 (CPDC).
- Turkey ranks 165/180 on RSF index 2023.
- 50% of global journalists self-censor due to threats (ICFJ 2022).
- Belarus 95% state-controlled media post-2020.
- Brazil Bolsonaro era saw 500+ attacks on journalists (Fenaj).
- 180 countries passed SLAPPs against media 2022 (ICLG).
- Myanmar media freedom score plummeted 40 points post-coup (RSF).
- 62% rise in online harassment of journalists 2022 (UNESCO).
- Russia blocked 1 million websites since 2022 invasion (Roskomnadzor data).
- Philippines Duterte closed 40+ outlets, Marcos continued trend.
- Global ad revenue to independent media fell 20% 2020-2022 (WAN-IFRA).
- 35 countries with journalist imprisonment over 100 total 2023 (CPJ).
- V-Dem Clean Elections Index correlates with 30% media freedom drop in backsliders.
- 92% of autocracies control media narratives (Freedom House Nations in Transit 2023).
- Ethiopia's state of emergency censored 80% private media 2023.
Media Freedom Losses Interpretation
From Hungary’s media plurality slumping to 24/100, India logging 1,034 internet shutdowns since 2012, Brazil suffering over 500 journalist attacks under Bolsonaro, and Russia blocking a million websites post-2022 invasion, to 73% of the global population living under state or plutocrat-controlled media, 85 journalists killed in 2022, half self-censoring due to threats, Turkey ranking 165/180 on press freedom, Belarus with 95% state-owned media, 62% more online harassment, 35 countries holding over 100 journalists in prison, 180 SLAPP laws passed, and global ad revenue to independent media dropping 20% since 2020, the world’s democratic backsliding—stained with censorship, manipulation, fear, and fading safeguards—is not just a trend, but an urgent, human crisis demanding we fight to protect the free press as democracy’s most vital shield.
Rule of Law Deterioration
- Rule of Law Index by WJP fell 4.1% globally 2016-2023.
- V-Dem Judicial Independence Index declined in 44 countries 2012-2022.
- 30 countries purged judiciaries post-2010 (V-Dem).
- Freedom House corruption scores worsened in 55 countries 2023.
- Poland dismissed 27 Supreme Court judges 2015-2022 (HRW).
- Hungary captured Constitutional Court with 8/15 judges loyal to gov 2022.
- Transparency International CPI average fell from 43 to 42 2022 globally.
- 25 executives impeached legislatures in backsliding regimes 2000-2020.
- Venezuela's TSJ ruled against opposition in 95% cases 2015-2022.
- Bulgaria's judiciary reform stalled, 40% public distrust (Eurobarometer 2023).
- 60% increase in executive interference in courts (V-Dem High Court index).
- Thailand's lèse-majesté cases rose 50% post-2020 protests.
- 18 EU countries under Article 7 proceedings for rule of law 2014-2023.
- Corruption Perceptions Index shows 155/180 countries score below 50 in 2022.
- El Salvador dismissed 200 judges in 2021 purge.
- 42 countries weakened constitutional review powers 2010-2022 (V-Dem).
- Global WJP Constraints on Government Powers factor declined 5.2% 2023.
- Tunisia post-2021 constitution saw judicial oversight score drop 20 points (V-Dem).
- 70% of backsliders have executive-appointed prosecutors (V-Dem).
Rule of Law Deterioration Interpretation
From Poland’s 2015–2022 purge of 27 Supreme Court judges to Venezuela’s Supreme Tribunal ruling against the opposition 95% of the time, from Hungary packing its Constitutional Court with 8 government loyalists to 44 countries seeing judicial independence slip between 2012–2022, and with the World Justice Project’s Rule of Law Index falling 4.1% globally (2016–2023), 60% more courts facing executive interference, 42 nations weakening constitutional review, 155 of 180 countries scoring below 50 on Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index, and even the EU struggling with 18 countries under Article 7 over rule of law—democracy’s foundations are fraying, human, and fragile.
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