Democratic Backsliding in Established Democracies: A Focus on the United States

The latest Democracy Report from the V-Dem Institute at the University of Gothenburg highlights a troubling trend of democratic backsliding in established democracies, particularly in the United States. The report indicates that nearly 25% of the world's nations are experiencing autocratization, with significant declines noted in influential countries such as the USA, Italy, and the United Kingdom. The U.S. has seen a dramatic drop in its score on the V-Dem Liberal Democracy index, falling 24% within a year and dropping from 20th to 51st place out of 179 nations.

Democratic Backsliding Reaches Western Democracies, with U.S. Decline “Unprecedented” – V-DemDemocratic backsliding reaches western democracies, with U.S. decline “unprecedented”The Conversation‘Unusually steep’ decline in US university autonomy, index shows

The report identifies three major patterns of democratic decline:

Democratic Backsliding Reaches Western Democracies, with U.S. Decline “Unprecedented” – V-Dem

1. Erosion of democracy in traditionally stable democracies.

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2. Significant reversals in countries that had previously democratized in the late 20th and early 21st centuries.

Democratic backsliding reaches western democracies, with U.S. decline “unprecedented”

3. Intensification of autocratic governance in already authoritarian states.

Democratic backsliding reaches western democracies, with U.S. decline “unprecedented”

Freedom of expression has been particularly targeted, with the U.S. experiencing a notable decline in this area, alongside deteriorating rule of law and institutional checks and balances.

Democratic backsliding reaches western democracies, with U.S. decline “unprecedented”

Professor Staffan I Lindberg, the report's lead author, notes that President Donald Trump’s administration has concentrated power within the presidency, undermining institutional checks and balances. This includes politicizing civil service and oversight bodies, intimidating the judiciary, and attacking the press and civil liberties. The upcoming 2026 midterm elections are viewed as a critical test for the U.S. democracy, with concerns that further declines in electoral indicators could exacerbate the situation.

Democratic Backsliding Reaches Western Democracies, with U.S. Decline “Unprecedented” – V-DemDemocratic backsliding reaches western democracies, with U.S. decline “unprecedented”The Conversation‘Unusually steep’ decline in US university autonomy, index shows

The implications of the U.S. decline are significant, as the country holds considerable economic and political influence that can reshape international norms and organizations. Lindberg warns that the autocratization of populous and economically powerful nations poses a risk to the global democratic order.

Democratic backsliding reaches western democracies, with U.S. decline “unprecedented”

Critics argue that the current trajectory of U.S. democracy is alarming, with many viewing the erosion of democratic norms as a direct threat to civil liberties and institutional integrity. The Pew Research Center's survey indicates that a majority of Americans perceive the morality of their fellow citizens negatively, which could further destabilize democratic discourse.

Democratic backsliding reaches western democracies, with U.S. decline “unprecedented”

• “The current U.S. administration has been undercutting institutionalized checks and balances, politicizing civil service and oversight bodies, and intimidating the judiciary, alongside attacks on the press, academia, civil liberties, and dissenting voices” — Staffan I Lindberg, Professor, V-Dem Institute

Democratic Backsliding Reaches Western Democracies, with U.S. Decline “Unprecedented” – V-Dem

• “The 2026 American midterm elections will be a critical test for the quality of elections, and democracy, in the United States. If election indicators also decline, the U.S. will fall even further,” — Staffan I Lindberg

Democratic Backsliding Reaches Western Democracies, with U.S. Decline “Unprecedented” – V-Dem

As the global landscape shifts towards autocracy, the need for vigilance and active engagement in democratic processes becomes paramount. The report also notes that 18 nations, including Brazil and Poland, are currently democratizing, suggesting that positive trends exist alongside the challenges faced by established democracies. The future of democracy in the U.S. and beyond will depend on the ability of citizens and institutions to uphold democratic values amidst rising autocratic tendencies.

Democratic Backsliding Reaches Western Democracies, with U.S. Decline “Unprecedented” – V-Dem