Global Press Freedom Plummets as Democracy Declines: IDEA

Global Press Freedom Plummets as Democracy Declines: IDEA
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Press freedom worldwide has experienced its steepest decline in 50 years amid a broad weakening of democracy, The Guardian reported, citing the latest findings from the Stockholm-based International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA). Over the past five years, democracy has regressed in 94 countries, while only one-third have recorded progress, according to IDEA’s Global State of Democracy Report 2025.

Kevin Casas-Zamora, IDEA’s secretary-general, said democracies face “a perfect storm of autocratic resurgence and acute uncertainty” caused by major social and economic changes. He stressed that defending democratic institutions, including free elections and the rule of law, while reforming governance to promote fairness and inclusion, is essential to counter these trends.

The report highlighted that press freedom worsened in a quarter of countries surveyed—the broadest deterioration since the dataset began. Afghanistan, Burkina Faso, and Myanmar registered the largest declines amid conflict, poverty, and political instability. South Korea also saw significant erosion as former President Yoon Suk Yeol targeted critical media through lawsuits before leaving office.

Contexts varied: in New Zealand, media consolidation has concentrated employment among five main outlets, while in Palestine, more than 200 journalists have been killed since October 2023, with blockades affecting independent reporting. Some countries showed improvement. Chile recorded the largest gain in press freedom since 2021 due to draft legislation protecting journalists and their families.

African nations contributed notably to democratic progress, with Botswana and South Africa leading advances. Jordan’s 2024 parliamentary elections were praised for fairness, and Poland also registered improvements. However, the United States reduced its diplomatic engagement and funding for global democracy support, contributing to weakened international efforts.

IDEA noted that US domestic politics has increasingly reflected executive overreach, encouraging populist leaders elsewhere. The thinktank suggested expanding voting rights for citizens abroad as one potential measure to strengthen democratic participation and reinforce democratic norms in home and host countries.