Internet State

A report from the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance reveals that U.S. democracy has reached its lowest point in 50 years, with significant declines in 14 out of 30 democratic indicators, and the U.S. stands out as a key example of this decline. Between 2020 and 2025, President Donald Trump is cited for amassing executive power and undermining the rule of law, which has affected global norms and alliances, especially in the context of U.S. foreign policy. The report also notes that 57% of the 174 countries surveyed experienced declines in at least one key democratic performance indicator, with the rule of law being the weakest globally.

A new report from the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance highlights that nearly 50% of the indicators used to measure American democracy have reached their lowest levels in 50 years, describing the US as the “most prominent example and accelerator” of the global weakening of the rule of law. Between 2020 and 2025, the US saw seven statistically significant declines in key democratic indicators, with judicial independence falling to a 36-year low and credible elections at their lowest in 30 years, while approximately 57% of countries globally declined in at least one democratic performance indicator during the same period. The report warns that the US's retreat from democratic norms has broader implications, undermining both domestic and international rule of law and emboldening authoritarian leaders worldwide.