US democracy at lowest point in 50 years amid global decline, study finds
Quick Look
A new study by International IDEA finds US democracy at its weakest in 50 years, with nearly half of 30 democratic measures at record lows since 1975, citing declines in justice access, economic equality, press freedom, congressional effectiveness, and judicial independence, worsened under Trump’s second term and linked to executive power concentration, the One Big Beautiful Bill, foreign election interference, and military actions in Venezuela.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
International IDEA has tracked US democratic performance since 1975 using 30 measures. The latest report shows nearly half at record lows, with significant deterioration in justice access, economic equality, press freedom, congressional effectiveness, and judicial independence between 2020 and 2025.
Democracy in the US has fallen to its lowest levels in 50 years as a wider global decline weakens the rule of law and raises the risk of conflict, according to a new study.
The International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA) said on Tuesday that nearly half of the 30 measures it uses to assess US democracy have deteriorated to levels not seen since its records began in 1975.
“The USA is experiencing a period of marked democratic decline,” the organization said, describing the country as the “most prominent example and accelerator” of a broader global trend.
US performance worsened significantly in seven measures between 2020 and 2025, including access to justice, economic equality, freedom of expression and the press, the effectiveness of Congress, and judicial independence. International IDEA said the deterioration has been most pronounced during President Donald Trump’s second term, although some of the trends began earlier.
According to the report, Trump rapidly concentrated power in the executive branch to pursue personal goals and retaliate against perceived enemies, with “far-reaching” effects at home and abroad. His One Big Beautiful Bill, signed into law in July 2025, cut government support for lower-income Americans despite deep economic inequality, it said.
Washington has also used its economic and military power to pressure other countries, including through attempts to influence elections in Argentina, Colombia, and Honduras, and threats of military intervention against Colombia, Cuba, and Mexico, the study said.
The US military operation in Venezuela, which saw President Nicolas Maduro seized and transferred to the US to face drug-trafficking charges, was cited as another example of the Trump administration’s so-called ‘Donroe Doctrine’, which envisions “US dominance in the Western Hemisphere” through military force.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Continued democratic backsliding in the US if current trends persist, potentially leading to further institutional erosion.
Likely · Within months
Increased regional tensions in Latin America due to US military and economic pressure, possibly prompting diplomatic countermeasures or alliances.
Possible · Within months
Open Questions
- What specific mechanisms are driving the decline in access to justice and economic equality?
- How are foreign governments responding to US election interference and military threats?
- Are there domestic legal or legislative efforts underway to reverse the democratic decline?
- What long-term consequences might the 'Donroe Doctrine' have for hemispheric relations?
