Democracy Index: Conflict and Polarisation Drive a New Low for Global Democracy

The latest Democracy Index from the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) highlights a concerning decline in global democracy levels, attributed largely to rising conflicts and growing polarization worldwide. The 2023 index score fell to 5.23 from 5.29 in 2022, signaling a continuing downward trend. According to the report, only 45.4% of the world’s population lives in a democracy, and just 7.8% in a “full democracy” with scores above 8.00. Meanwhile, 39.4% of people live under authoritarian rule.

Notably, Paraguay and Papua New Guinea were upgraded to “flawed democracies,” while Greece achieved “full democracy” status. However, Chile was reclassified as a flawed democracy, and Pakistan was downgraded to an authoritarian regime. Western Europe maintained stability as the highest-ranked region, while North America saw a slight decline in its score to 8.27.

The Democracy Index report underscores the complex interplay between democracy, conflict, and geopolitical pressures. It reveals that, although democracy advanced in select countries, the global picture remains one of stagnation, with significant regressions in Latin America, the Middle East, and North Africa.

The Normandy Index, reveals an unprecedented rise in global threats to peace, democracy, and security. The 2024 Index indicates that conflict impacts extend beyond borders, with the highest recorded threat levels since the Index’s inception in 2019. Increased geopolitical rivalry, militarization, and hybrid threats contribute to this decline in global security.

Now more than ever, democracy is under threat, must be protected, and needs to renew itself – otherwise, we might lose it. We firmly believe that now is the time to act—and that you can help shape the future of democracy.

Join us in the historic city of change, Berlin, next to the Brandenburg Gate and the Berlin Wall, for The World Forum on the Future of Democracy, AI / Tech, and Humankind, and the AI World Summit, on March 18 & 19, 2025. Together, we will explore how to safeguard and renew democratic values and ensure that technological advancements serve humanity.