Democracy

Democratic freedoms continue to decline.

Democracy is under assault and authoritarianism is rising, with last year being the 16th consecutive year of declining democratic freedoms worldwide. In 2022 alone, 60 countries suffered declines, meaning some 38% of the global population now lives in “not free” countries.

Authoritarians are emboldened and actively working to undermine democratic institutions and values by employing cyber tools, spreading disinformation and misinformation, exploiting economic levers, and using military and political influence to challenge the rules-based international order.

Concurrently, authoritarian governments are increasingly engaging in acts of transnational repression to deepen control and silence critics outside of their borders, including through direct physical attacks, digital threats, mobility control, and other tactics that threaten fundamental human rights. Many factors, such as ongoing conflicts, the global recession, and the COVID-19 pandemic, have resulted in a decline in public confidence in democratic governments, further exacerbating these authoritarian trends.

To curb the spread of authoritarianism, democracies must deliver tangible results and opportunities for their people. Democratic governance and human rights are foundational to long-lasting peace and inclusive prosperity.

Citizen-centered, citizen-responsive governments are more adaptable to change and are, therefore, more stable, providing a better life for citizens. Evidence shows that countries that transition to democracy provide superior access to quality health care, which can increase life expectancy by 3% within ten years. Fledgling democracies also experience an approximate 20% increase in GDP over 25 years, leading to increased prosperity and reduced inequality. In addition to yielding economic and social benefits, democracies are more peaceful. Data suggests that the chance of civil war, conflict, and violence is 30% to 45% higher in countries with weak government institutions, rampant corruption, and weak rule of law.

America’s security, prosperity, and strength depend on the success of democracy worldwide. American investments in democracy, rights, and governance around the globe lead to more robust political and government institutions, stronger rule of law, more credible elections, and expanded space for civil society and independent media. Democracies are more reliable allies and trading partners and serve as the cornerstone of a stable and peaceful international order.

F.Y. 2024 provides an opportunity to build upon efforts to curb what experts have called a democratic recession. Robust funding would affirm the United States’ current commitment to overseas democratic renewal, as evidenced by the first-ever Summit for Democracy in December 2021, and would facilitate the implementation of democratic reforms curated during the Summit’s Year of Action and highlighted at the second Summit in March 2023. Accordingly, our partners stand ready to support the rule of law, grow independent civil society and media, promote free and fair elections, and expand inclusive and transparent governance.

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