Global freedom has declined for 20 years straight
Freedom House found global freedom fell for a 20th straight year in 2025, with 54 countries declining and 35 improving. V-Dem says 41% of humanity lives in autocratizing countries.
How this affects people
Only 21% of the world's people live in countries rated Free, down from 46% two decades ago. V-Dem counts 92 autocracies and 87 democracies and says democracy for the average citizen is back to 1978 levels.
The two indices use different methods, so their counts differ, but both show a long decline. Media censorship is used by 73% of autocratizing countries and civil-society repression by 68%.
Look at what keeps the problem going
- 01Coups and armed conflict
- 02Attacks on democratic institutions by elected leaders
- 03Growing repression by authoritarian governments
- 04Censorship of media and repression of civil society
What could happen next
The future leaves room for choices. Compare the outlooks, check what supports them and notice where the evidence becomes less certain
Decline is the baseline
Freedom House recorded a net decline in 2025, the 20th year running, with 54 countries worse off and 35 better.
The future is not a timetable. These summaries reflect published scenarios and trends, with deeper uncertainty at longer horizons. Choices made now matter.
Where could a useful response begin?
Begin with a question you can investigate. Compare the sources and follow related briefings to see how the problem connects to other lives and places. This prototype does not accept proposals yet.
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