The path to autocracy is reversible
A report discusses the global rise of autocracy while highlighting that democratic transitions remain possible through grassroots movements. It cites recent political shifts in countries like Hungary, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh as evidence of the resilience of democratic values.
Why it matters
Provides a geopolitical analysis of the current state of global democracy and the role of youth-led protest movements.
by Marius Moniak 23.06.2026 picture alliance/ZUMAPRESS.com/Daniel Alfoldi Supporters of Hungarian opposition leader Peter Magyar during a march to commemorate the 1956 Hungarian revolution in Budapest in 2025. In its Freedom in the World report, US-based Freedom House warns of a “Growing Shadow of Autocracy”, while the Gothenburg democracy research project V-Dem concludes that 74 % of the world’s population now live in autocratic systems. Only a minority of around 7 % still live in liberal democracies.
The article presents a critical view of global political trends but relies on established research indices like V-Dem.
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