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The Current State of Global Democracy: A Deteriorating Landscape

Introduction: A Worrying Trend in Global Governance

Recent reports highlight a disturbing trend called the "democratic recession." This phenomenon indicates that nearly three-quarters of the global populace is now governed by autocratic leaders. This level of autocracy hasn’t been witnessed since the mid-1980s, signaling a critical turning point in international governance and human rights.

Human Rights Under Siege: Expert Perspectives

Philippe Bolopion, Executive Director of Human Rights Watch (HRW), emphasizes that the very system underpinning human rights is "in peril." He argues that we are witnessing a growing wave of authoritarianism, presenting it as "the challenge of a generation."

As the global situation deteriorates, the implications for human rights become increasingly grim. Bolopion’s remarks underscore the urgency of addressing these rising authoritarian regimes that threaten democratic values and human rights protections worldwide.

The Situation in the United States: A Critical Analysis

In the prelude to HRW’s annual country-by-country assessment, Bolopion pointed out that 2025 marked a "tipping point" for rights and freedoms in the United States. Over just a year, the Trump administration has engaged in what he describes as a sweeping assault on the foundational elements of American democracy. These actions have been detrimental not only to the U.S. but also to the global rules-based international order—an order that the U.S. once played a pivotal role in establishing. Instead, the administration appears to be moving decisively in the "opposite direction," thereby jeopardizing democratic ideals.

Patterns of Erosion: Specific Incidents of Rights Violations

Bolopion cited alarming examples, such as Trump’s recent calls for Republicans to "nationalise" the U.S. voting system and a substantial $500 million investment in the Trump family’s cryptocurrency from a member of an Emirati royal family. He remarked, “Every day you see confirmation of this trend,” and added that these incidents reflect an organized, relentless, and calculated assault on the checks and balances that are essential for limiting executive power and protecting individual rights.

Globally, countries like Russia and China exacerbate this crisis, with their actions undermining the established rules-based order. Bolopion insists on the need for democratic nations—like the UK, the EU, and Canada—to form a strategic alliance to preserve this increasingly fragile order, which finds itself under significant threat from populist leaders across the globe.

The Documented Assault on Rights: HRW Findings

The HRW report extensively catalogs various attacks on rights during Trump’s second term. It notes the persistent undermining of electoral integrity, diminished government accountability, and efforts to intimidate political opponents, the media, and even civil society organizations. The report describes a systematic erosion of judicial independence and the contravention of court orders, emblematic of a broader assault on the rule of law.

These actions span a wide spectrum of abuses, including curtailments on free speech and the deportation of individuals to countries where they may face torture, showcasing the grave need for civil society and international oversight during these tumultuous times.

The Imperative for an Alliance of Democracies

Bolopion warns that under continuous pressure from Trump, complemented by persistent attacks from regimes in China and Russia, the rules-based international order is under threat of collapsing. This could eliminate the very framework that human rights defenders depend on to advance democratic principles and safeguard freedoms globally.

He advocates for a robust alliance of rights-respecting democracies—a coalition that could serve as a powerful counterforce and a consequential economic entity capable of incentivizing adherence to human rights globally.

The Role of Civil Society and Emerging Protests

Despite the daunting challenges posed by this democratic recession, Bolopion notes that moments of hope exist within civil society. He cites various instances of public protest, including demonstrations in Minneapolis against ICE operations, upheavals in Iran following economic decline, and Gen Z protests in Morocco advocating for improved healthcare and education. These movements reflect a growing awareness and mobilization against injustices, suggesting a latent desire for reform and renewal in democratic values.

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Conclusion: A Call to Action

The report makes it evident that the crisis of democracy did not emerge suddenly but has been developing over several decades. With current global demographics mirroring those of 1985—about 72% living under autocratic regimes—the situation presents a "perfect storm" for human rights violations worldwide.

Bolopion’s call for civil society action emphasizes the necessity of collective efforts to counteract these adverse trends. There is still hope, as seen in ongoing public protests advocating for rights and freedoms. However, it will require steadfast resolve and collaborative action—from individuals, governments, and international coalitions—to restore and strengthen democratic norms in this precarious moment in history.

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