The Freedom House Survey for 2021: Authoritarians on Offense

Issue Date April 2022
Volume 33
Issue 2
Page Numbers 45–59
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Global freedom is under dire threat. Around the world, the enemies of liberal democracy are accelerating their attacks. Authoritarian regimes have become more effective at coopting or circumventing the norms and institutions meant to support basic liberties and at providing aid to those who wish to do the same. In long-established democracies, internal forces have exploited societal divisions and democracy’s shortcomings, distorting national politics either to gain power or to strengthen their grip on it. Meanwhile, countries that have struggled in the space between democracy and authoritarianism are increasingly tilting toward the latter. The global order is nearing a tipping point, and if democracy’s defenders do not work together to guarantee freedom for all people, the authoritarian model will prevail.

About the Authors

Sarah Repucci

Sarah Repucci is vice-president of research and analysis at Freedom House.

View all work by Sarah Repucci

Amy Slipowitz

Amy Slipowitz is research manager for Freedom in the World at Freedom House.

View all work by Amy Slipowitz