The Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) research institute, based at the University of Gothenburg, has released a new report on the state of democracy globally, with particular focus on the United States. The report critiques the rapid and extensive dismantlement of democratic norms and institutions throughout President Donald Trump's second term, suggesting that the level of democracy in the U.S. has reverted to the state it was in during 1965. This decline is attributed to trends in autocratization that are markedly different from the civil rights struggles of the 1960s, highlighting a new crisis in governance and democratic representation.

The report delves into the specific characteristics of democratic erosion within the U.S., marking it as distinct from historical periods of civil rights activism. While the 1960s were defined by physical and systemic racial segregation challenges, the current landscape is characterized by an overarching consolidation of executive power and attacks on essential democratic institutions such as the media, higher education, and civic freedoms. V-Dem’s analysis frames this shift as a series of excesses that point to a troubling trajectory for American democracy, raising alarms for both national and international observers.

Additionally, the report ranks countries according to a democracy index, revealing that the United States has fallen dramatically from 20th to 51st place, reflecting a significant global shift in democratic governance. This decline not only poses risks to domestic civic engagement but also undermines the United States' role as a global leader in democracy promotion, suggesting that careful attention and remedial measures will be needed to reverse this worrying trend.