London- UK
– July 16, 2025
A deepening shadow has fallen across the global landscape of democracy and freedom, marked by a disturbing decline in democratic values and an escalating assault on journalistic liberties. As the world grapples with complex socioeconomic and geopolitical challenges, the very foundations of open societies are being tested, with alarmingly few populations enjoying the full spectrum of democratic rights and the media facing unprecedented threats.
The Shrinking Sphere of “Full Democracy”
Recent reports paint a stark picture: a mere 6.6% of the global population currently lives under what is classified as “full democracy.” This represents a significant decline from just a decade ago, when that figure stood at 12.5%. The data indicates that the average world citizen’s level of democracy has regressed to levels not seen since the mid-1980s.
This democratic backsliding is not confined to developing nations; even established democracies, particularly in Europe and the Americas, have shown signs of deterioration, especially concerning “Representation” (credible elections and effective parliaments) and “Rights” (economic equality, freedom of expression, and freedom of the press). While 2024 was dubbed an “election super-cycle year,” with billions heading to the polls, the quality of elections declined in over half of the 62 countries evaluated. Disputed electoral outcomes, declining participation, and the increasing use of legal challenges to undermine democratic processes are becoming disturbingly common.
The alarming reality is that nearly three out of four people in the world – 72% – now live in autocracies, the highest percentage since 1978. This shift represents a fundamental challenge to the global order and the principles of self-governance and individual liberty.
Related CJ exclusive Overage
Journalistic Freedoms Under Siege
Hand-in-hand with the decline in democratic values is an accelerating assault on journalistic freedoms, an essential pillar of any thriving democracy. Independent journalism, vital for holding power accountable and informing the public, is under siege on multiple fronts:
* Physical Threats and Violence:
Journalists are increasingly facing physical harassment and violence. In 2024, at least 122 journalists and media workers were killed globally, according to the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ). UNESCO reported 68 deaths in the line of duty, with over 60% occurring in conflict zones, particularly the ongoing conflict in Palestine, which saw a devastating toll of journalists killed. This marks a critical concern, as more journalists have lost their lives in conflicts over the past two years than in any comparable period since 2016-2017.
* Incarceration:
The number of journalists behind bars remains at a near all-time high. As of December 1, 2024, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) documented 361 journalists imprisoned worldwide in connection with their work. China, Israel, and Myanmar led the list of jailers, followed by Belarus and Russia. A significant portion of these journalists face vague “anti-state” charges, including accusations of terrorism or extremism.
* Legal Intimidation and Regulatory Pressure:
While physical attacks increased in some areas, journalists are still frequently subjected to legal intimidation and the misuse of laws to silence critical reporting. Governments are increasingly exerting pressure on media through regulatory actions, reduced access to sources and events, and even the throttling or shutdown of social networks.
* Disinformation and Distrust:
The rise of disinformation campaigns, including AI-generated content and state propaganda, is being used to manipulate public opinion and undermine the credibility of independent journalism. This creates an environment of distrust in media, making it harder for citizens to access reliable information.
* Political Pressure and Anti-Media Rhetoric:
The 2024 World Press Freedom Index highlighted that the “political indicator” — measuring the degree of political pressure on media — has fallen the most globally. A growing number of governments and political authorities are failing to protect journalism and are, in some cases, actively engaging in anti-media rhetoric that emboldens attacks on reporters.
The Interconnected Crisis
The erosion of democratic values and the suppression of journalistic freedom are two sides of the same coin. When democratic institutions weaken, the space for independent media shrinks, and vice versa. Without a free press to scrutinize power, expose corruption, and provide diverse perspectives, the public’s ability to make informed decisions is severely hampered, paving the way for authoritarian tendencies to take root. The targeting of journalists in conflict zones, in particular, not only silences critical voices but also deprives the world of vital information during times of crisis.
A Call to Action for a Free Future
Reversing this alarming trend demands a renewed global commitment to democratic principles and the protection of press freedom. Key steps include:
* Upholding Electoral Integrity: International bodies and national governments must work to ensure free, fair, and transparent elections, addressing issues of voter participation, credible counting, and legal challenges.
* Protecting Civil Liberties:
Governments must respect and protect fundamental freedoms, including freedom of expression, assembly, and association, which are essential for a vibrant civil society and independent media.
* Safeguarding Journalists:
International organizations, governments, and civil society must prioritize the safety of journalists, investigate and prosecute crimes against them, and provide mechanisms for their protection. This includes advocating for the release of incarcerated journalists and condemning political harassment.
* Promoting Media Pluralism and Independence:
Supporting independent media outlets, combating disinformation, and fostering media literacy are crucial for ensuring that citizens have access to a diversity of reliable information.
* International Accountability:
The international community must hold accountable those who undermine democratic institutions and repress press freedom, emphasizing that these actions have global consequences.
The stakes are incredibly high. The continued decline of democracy and freedom poses a direct threat to peace, stability, and human rights worldwide. Only through concerted global action can the tide be turned and the essential pillars of open, just, and informed societies be rebuilt.
