Global Democracy Crashes to 1978 Levels — Turkey Among Nations Hit Hard
Global democratic standards have fallen to their lowest point since 1978, with Turkey among the countries experiencing significant political deterioration, according to recent data.
The worldwide decline in democratic governance has reached levels not seen in nearly five decades, driven by rising authoritarianism and the weakening of political institutions across multiple regions [174447]. Analysts point to a growing gap between democratic ideals and current political realities, with Turkey specifically struggling as part of this broader trend [174447].
The findings come amid multiple reports of eroding political freedoms and institutional decay internationally. In South Africa, veteran activist Khusta Jack, who fought in the 1976 Soweto uprising, warns that liberation-era gains are being dismantled by the current government, with corruption and economic inequality threatening the principles of equality and justice his generation sacrificed for [173634]. Meanwhile, in post-uprising Bangladesh, LGBTQI+ activists face a hostile political class, vanishing international funding, and state complicity in violence, forcing many organizations to shut down or go underground [174341].
The global democratic decline also coincides with a collapse in international trust. A new study shows that only one in ten Europeans now consider the United States a reliable ally, with most doubting America would defend Europe if attacked [169858]. This shift follows the United States stepping back from its role as the primary enforcer of global norms, leaving Asian allies uncertain about security in the South China Sea and forcing nations to reconsider defense strategies [172026].