The state of global democracy and freedom of expression is taking a concerning turn, according to the latest report from the V-Dem Institute presented at WEXFO 2024.
In a keynote speech at the World Expression Forum in Lillehammer in May, Professor Staffan Lindberg, Director of the V-Dem Institute at the University of Gothenburg, highlighted several worrying trends. His presentation was based on a report released earlier this year by the V-Dem Institute, based on the world’s most comprehensive and detailed democracy ratings.
Democracy is losing ground
The report reveals that democracy has regressed to levels not seen since the late 20th century. Country-based averages show a return to the democracy levels of 1998, while population-weighted averages indicate that democracy for the average person is now at a 1985 level. This decline is primarily driven by authoritarian shifts in large countries, impacting 71% of the global population.
Rising autocratization
The number of democratizing nations is falling. Currently, around 60 countries are experiencing significant regime changes. The trend is leaning towards autocratization, with 31 countries seeing a decline in their democracy levels, and only three countries are improving. This shift is part of a broader pattern observed over the past decades and highlights a concerning global movement away from democratic governance and towards more authoritarian regimes.
Freedom of expression under pressure
Freedom of expression has faced severe setbacks over the past decade. The V-Dem report points to increased government censorship, harassment of journalists, and restrictions on academic expression as key indicators of this decline. The global trend towards autocratization has directly impacted the ability to maintain clean elections and uphold free speech.
Professor Lindberg added that one of the greatest threats to democracy is the increase in the spread of disinformation in the world:
“Democracy dies with the lies, and so does freedom of expression.”
A decisive time for freedom of speech
According to Professor Lindberg and V-Dem, the future looks challenging. Many countries are set to hold elections in 2024, and several are showing authoritarian tendencies and may use these elections to strengthen their control. Additionally, there are countries on the verge of autocratization, where upcoming elections could push them further towards autocracy.
WEXFO’s Managing Director Kristenn Einarsson is worried about the further development:
“Professor Lindberg’s insights underscore the urgent need to protect democratic values and human rights in the face of these growing threats. As the world navigates these turbulent times, attention and advocacy for freedom of expression remain crucial.”
This article is based on detailed notes from the session provided by Turid Wullf Knutsen, Senior EU Adviser at Innlandet fylkeskommune, and has been compiled by the WEXFO administration.