Global Rise in Autocracy
Closed autocracies (no real elections, no basic freedoms) are increasing, especially in West Asia, North Africa, and South Asia.
Liberal democracies are shrinking in Europe and Central Asia.
In Sub-Saharan Africa, both democracy is weakening and autocracy is growing.
India has been classified as an electoral autocracy since 2017 — meaning elections happen, but basic freedoms like speech and press are limited.
Biggest Global Declines in Democracy
The worst-hit area is freedom of expression, with censorship, media restrictions, and attacks on journalists.
India is one of 44 countries where freedom of expression has declined.
Disinformation is used by governments in 31 countries, including India.
Political polarisation has increased in 45 countries — again including India.
Election interference is rising: intimidation of opposition parties and attacks on election bodies have worsened in 21 countries, India included.
Changing Public Opinion on Democracy
In many countries, people are losing faith in democracy and showing more support for strong leaders who bypass checks and balances.
In India:
Support for representative democracy dropped from 44% in 2017 to 36% in 2023.
Support for a strong leader without interference increased from 55% in 2017 to a higher number in 2023.
Those with less education or income are more likely to support strong, unchecked leaders.
People who lean politically right are also more likely to prefer strong leaders over democratic processes.
India’s Press Freedom in Decline
In 2024, India ranked 159 out of 180 countries for press freedom.
It hasn't been in the top 100 since 2002, and the drop has been sharpest since 2022.
This reflects increasing control over media, harassment of journalists, and suppression of dissent.
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