America’s democratic decline is becoming Europe’s problem, new report says
A new report from the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance warns that democratic backsliding in the United States is negatively impacting global security and international alliances. The study highlights significant declines in U.S. democratic indicators since 2020, including judicial independence and press freedom.
Why it matters
The erosion of democratic norms in a major global power like the U.S. threatens the stability of international rules-based systems and encourages authoritarian trends elsewhere.
“Whatever happens in the U.S. has global ramifications,” says IDEA’s Kevin Casas-Zamora.
Copy Link Copied Share via email Share on X Share on WhatsApp Share on LinkedIn U.S. President Donald Trump gestures before boarding Air Force One as he departs from Shannon Airport, western Ireland on Sept. 13, 2026. | Brendan Smialowski/AFP via Getty Images September 15, 2026 2:01 am CET By Milena Wälde Democratic backsliding in Washington is damaging the international rules and alliances that underpin Europe’s security, while increasing the risk of conflict worldwide, per a new report out Tuesday.
The weakening of checks and norms in the United States is putting pressure on the alliances and international rules the rest of the world relies on, while also giving governments cues to attack institutions at home, according to a new report from the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance.
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