IDEA Report Warns of Global Democratic Decline and U.S. Institutional Erosion

A new report from the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA) warns that democracy is experiencing one of its most significant periods of deterioration since comparable measurements began. The Global State of Democracy 2026 report highlights a combination of institutional setbacks, loss of rights, political polarization, and a weakening of the rule of law. According to IDEA Secretary General Kevin Casas Zamora, the rapid decline of democracy in the United States is fragmenting the international system and threatening democracies worldwide.

The report indicates that nearly half of the 30 indicators used to measure U.S. democratic performance are at their lowest levels since records began in 1975. These declines include areas such as judicial independence, freedom of expression, freedom of the press, and parliamentary effectiveness. The report suggests that this democratic backsliding in Washington is damaging the international rules and alliances that underpin global security and is increasing the risk of internal and international conflicts.

While the global trend is negative, the report notes that Chile maintains a relatively solid performance in three of four major dimensions: Representation, Rights, and the Rule of Law. Chile ranks sixth globally in Representation, though it has seen a decline in Participation, ranking 44th. This decline in participation is attributed by some researchers to a loss of trust in institutions and the impact of social media on public debate.

Outlets of different political leans framed the U.S. findings differently. A center left source framed the decline as a result of Donald Trump taking U.S. democracy to its lowest level in half a century. A center source focused on how the U.S. decline creates a security problem for Europe by weakening international norms. A center right source emphasized the global nature of the deterioration while highlighting Chile's relative resilience in representation.