Key democracy indicators in the United States have fallen to their lowest level in 50 years. This situation is particularly due to the threats and actions of former President Donald Trump and their impact on the rule of law globally.
Global Trends and Challenges to Democracy
According to the annual report "Global Democracy Status," which covers 174 countries, in 2025, the number of countries experiencing democratic backsliding exceeded those making progress in this area. This trend marks the eleventh consecutive year of decline and is recognized as the longest period of sustained recession in recorded history.
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This think tank's report emphasizes that the decline of democracy in America is part of a global trend, and the challenges facing democracy are particularly evident in the political developments of this country. This issue has been exacerbated during Donald Trump's presidency, where he quickly took control of the executive branch and used it to advance personal goals and seek revenge.
Consequences of Declining Democracy
Kevin Casas-Zamora, the secretary-general of this think tank, has warned that as democracies erode, the risk of global conflicts increases. He emphasizes that investment in democracy must be at the center of various countries' security strategies. Studies show that the decline in the quality of democracy and the increase in conflicts are directly related, but this issue is rarely addressed in policymaking and public discussions.
Furthermore, data on violent conflicts indicates that 2025 is facing the highest number of conflicts since 1946. This situation reflects that political events in America have profound effects not only on this country but also on others.
Ultimately, the Democracy and Electoral Assistance think tank has added America to its list of "declining democracies" and pointed to the observable deterioration that has begun since 2019. The rule of law has been recognized as the weakest area of democracy in 2025, with 41 percent of assessed countries performing poorly in this area.
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