Explore countries that, according to key reports like the V-Dem Institute's Democracy Report 2026, experienced significant democratic backsliding in 2025. This analysis addresses global autocratization, identifying nations where democratic quality has declined. Discover the trends marking the fragility of democratic transitions and the impact of political polarization. It's an essential resource for understanding current global governance challenges.
Colombia experienced significant democratic backsliding in 2025, dropping 13 spots to 73rd in The Economist's Democracy Index between 2024 and 2025. This decline is attributed to factors such as state violence, human rights abuses, and drug trafficking, which compromise the country's civic space and institutional health.
Belarus has demonstrated continuous democratic backsliding, evidenced by the 2025 presidential elections, widely considered fraudulent and a 'no-choice election'. The country maintains a climate of oppression, with the human rights situation having significantly worsened since the mass protests of 2020 against electoral fraud.
Georgia experienced a significant democratic backsliding in 2024, marked by the October parliamentary elections which led to allegations of electoral fraud and mass protests. The adoption of restrictive laws, such as the 'foreign agent' law, and oligarchic influence have contributed to a shift towards autocratization, moving away from its previous status as a democratic beacon in the South Caucasus.
Nicaragua has demonstrated significant democratic backsliding, with an authoritarian drift that has solidified in recent years. The government has manipulated democratic institutions and repressed dissent, leading to an erosion of civil and political freedoms.
Venezuela has experienced continuous democratic backsliding, evidenced by Nicolás Maduro's inauguration for a third presidential term in January 2025, disregarding basic democratic principles. The Maduro regime persists in repressing the voices of the Venezuelan people and engaging in actions constituting crimes against humanity for political persecution.
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Hungary has been a prominent case study in democratic backsliding, particularly under Viktor Orbán's leadership since 2010. The country has seen a systematic dismantling of its legal system and a transformation towards an "illiberal democracy," raising significant concerns about the rule of law and the quality of its democracy.
Spain has shown democratic backsliding in 2025, evidenced by declines in Credible Elections and Rule of Law between 2019 and 2024. Furthermore, a 2022 survey revealed that 65% of Spaniards are dissatisfied with democracy, confirming widespread discontent with democratic institutions and declining support for democracy in favor of alternatives.
This ranking aims to highlight countries that experienced significant democratic backsliding in 2025. The methodology is based on the analysis of reports from world-renowned institutions that assess the quality of democracy and civil liberties.