Mudassir Rizwan
The world is witnessing a profound decline in democratic governance. According to Human Rights Watch, roughly 72% of the global population now lives under autocratic regimes, a level of democratic erosion not seen since 1985. That year marked a distinct period in global politics, dominated by the Cold War, when the United States frequently invoked democracy as a justification for interventions aimed at toppling unfriendly dictatorships. Today, however, the tone is dramatically different. The U.S. leader has repeatedly expressed admiration for authoritarian figures and other undemocratic rulers — even those who do not return his praise — signaling a fundamental shift in the global perception of American commitment to democracy.
Former President Donald Trump’s record illustrates this trend starkly. While his first term was controversial, his actions surrounding the 2020 election exposed deeper vulnerabilities: he sought to overturn a democratic outcome, undermining public trust in the electoral process. His second term, had it occurred, was projected to be even more alarming. The Trump administration has been accused of attacking judicial and congressional independence, intimidating the press, curbing free speech, and using state power to punish political opponents. By weakening internal checks and balances, the United States has sent a signal to autocrats worldwide that the rules-based global order is no longer reliably defended by its most influential proponent.
Even allied nations have expressed concern. Justin Trudeau, the Prime Minister of Canada, once a close U.S. partner in promoting shared democratic values, has publicly warned about the dangerous trajectory of American governance under Trump. International observers note that, beyond domestic politics, the U.S.’s traditional role in upholding international law has become inconsistent at best and openly dismissive at worst. Trump’s repeated assertions that he is not bound by international agreements, alongside actions that undermine institutions like the United Nations and trade frameworks, weaken global norms and embolden authoritarian actors.
This deterioration carries consequences that extend far beyond the borders of the United States. Democracies around the world are now forced to navigate a more uncertain international environment, where they cannot count on U.S. leadership to safeguard democratic norms or intervene against authoritarianism. Countries that might have relied on American support for democratic reforms or regional stability must now recalibrate their strategies, often taking matters into their own hands. Yet this independence comes with risks. Trump’s unpredictability and disregard for established procedures create instability not only within U.S. politics but across international systems, affecting trade, security, and human rights enforcement worldwide.
The stakes are high. Democracy is not merely a domestic system of governance; it underpins global stability, human rights, and international cooperation. When the world’s leading democracy falters, it sends a signal that autocrats can act with impunity, unafraid of checks imposed by stronger powers. Countries that once aspired to democratic reforms may now question whether the sacrifices required are worth the uncertain protection offered by a global order in disarray. This dynamic reinforces the alarming findings of Human Rights Watch: democratic governance has receded to levels not seen in nearly four decades.
The erosion of trust in democratic institutions also exacerbates domestic polarization and unrest. When leaders openly challenge election outcomes, dismiss judicial independence, and weaponize state power against opponents, citizens begin to question the legitimacy of the system itself. This not only destabilizes governance within the United States but also offers authoritarian regimes a blueprint for undermining democracy in their own nations. The effects are cyclical: weakened global norms make it easier for autocrats to resist reform pressures, further eroding the influence of democratic states internationally.
In this context, the responsibility of global democratic leaders has never been more urgent. Protecting and strengthening representative governments, ensuring accountability, and upholding human rights must remain priorities, even in the absence of consistent U.S. leadership. Nations must reinforce the principles of transparent governance, independent institutions, and free expression, while creating regional and international coalitions that can support democracy independently of American intervention. Civil society organizations, international bodies, and reform-minded governments all have a role to play in sustaining democratic norms, educating citizens, and promoting the rule of law.
The current trajectory is clear: democracy cannot be taken for granted. The global backslide highlighted by Human Rights Watch should serve as a wake-up call. Even established democracies are vulnerable if international leadership falters, checks and balances weaken, and human rights protections are disregarded. While the United States remains a significant force, it is no longer a guaranteed guarantor of democratic values. Countries worldwide must act decisively to protect their institutions, safeguard citizen freedoms, and ensure that the gains of democratic governance are not reversed.
Ultimately, the responsibility rests with democratic leaders everywhere to defend the foundational principles of accountability, representation, and human rights. Without such efforts, the lights of democracy risk dimming further, leaving a global landscape increasingly dominated by autocracy, instability, and diminished freedoms. The time to act is now — before the retreat of democracy becomes irreversible.
