Global Democracy Index Hits Historic Low of 5.17 Amid Rising Authoritarianism

Prominent futurist and author Ramez Naam recently asserted that "The authoritarian assault on democracy is the biggest threat to the West. Nothing else is even close." This stark warning, shared via social media, resonates with recent global assessments indicating a significant decline in democratic health worldwide.

Naam, a former Microsoft executive and an award-winning author known for his insights into technology, clean energy, and future trends, frequently comments on geopolitical and societal shifts. His background as a technologist and futurist often lends a long-term, systemic perspective to his observations on global challenges.

His statement aligns with findings from the Economist Intelligence Unit's (EIU) 2024 Democracy Index, which reported a decline in the global average score to an historic low of 5.17 out of 10. The EIU's analysis reveals that 130 out of 167 countries either saw a decline in their score or no improvement in 2024. Alarmingly, over one-third (39.2%) of the world's population now lives under authoritarian rule, with 60 countries classified as such—an increase of eight from a decade ago.

The decline is particularly evident in categories like civil liberties and electoral processes, which have seen significant deterioration since 2008. Joan Hoey, Director for the Democracy Index, noted that "While autocracies seem to be gaining strength... the world’s democracies are struggling." This protracted democratic recession is attributed to complex factors, including popular dissatisfaction with democratic systems, leading to the rise of political insurgents and increased polarization.

Experts also point to the assertiveness of authoritarian regimes actively exporting their models, often through disinformation campaigns and suppression of dissent. This global trend underscores the urgency of addressing the challenges posed by authoritarianism to democratic principles and institutions worldwide.