Global freedom declined for the 20th consecutive year in 2025

6 hours ago

Global freedom declined for the 20th consecutive year in 2025, with 54 countries deteriorating and 35 improving.
Key declines involved coups (Guinea-Bissau, Madagascar), authoritarian repression (Tanzania, El Salvador), and democratic erosion (U.S., Bulgaria, Italy).
Three countries (Bolivia, Fiji, Malawi) improved from Partly Free to Free due to competitive elections and rule-of-law strengthening.
Partly Free countries shrank significantly, with 19 dropping to Not Free, swelling authoritarian ranks, while democracies showed resilience (85% remained Free since 2005).
Drivers of decline include armed conflict (Sudan, Yemen), military coups (Mali, Burkina Faso), erosion of democratic institutions, and authoritarian repression (Azerbaijan, Belarus).
Fundamental freedoms under pressure: media freedom, personal expression, and due process saw the heaviest declines globally.
Democracies reduced foreign aid (U.S., EU cuts), undermining support for civil society and international organizations, while authoritarian regimes collaborated to undermine global norms.
Despite trends, democracies proved durable, with new democracies emerging (Bhutan, Senegal), and widespread popular aspirations for freedom persisted even in repressive contexts.

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