Special Release
Freedom in the World 2019
Democracy in Retreat
Challenges to American democracy are testing the stability of its constitutional system and threatening to undermine political rights and civil liberties worldwide, contributing to a decline in global freedom for the 13th consecutive year. These are just some of the troubling findings from Freedom in the World 2019, the latest edition of the annual country-by-country assessment of fundamental freedoms, released today by Freedom House.
The findings on the United States – a particular focus of this year’s report – are part of a grim assessment of global democracy from Freedom House. Freedom in the World 2019 documents the weakening of democratic norms around the world, especially when it comes to elections and the human rights of migrants.
- Over the past 13 years, a total of 116 countries have seen a net decline in their democracy scores, while only 63 have seen a net improvement.
- A total of 68 countries suffered net declines in political rights and civil liberties during 2018, with only 50 registering gains.
- Freedom House’s global survey shows that ethnic cleansing is a growing trend, while a growing number of governments are targeting expatriates far beyond their borders.
- Antiliberal leaders’ verbal attacks on the media contributed to broader declines in press freedom — and growing violence against journalists.
Source Freedom House.
