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Press freedom around the world has taken a significant hit over the past five years, reaching levels not seen in the last half-century, according to a report from a democracy research organization released Thursday. Countries like Afghanistan, Burkina Faso, and Myanmar—already ranked among the lowest for press freedoms—experienced the most severe declines, the report by the Stockholm-based International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA) revealed.
South Korea also saw a notable drop, ranking as the fourth-worst performer, primarily due to an increase in government-initiated defamation lawsuits against journalists and raids on journalists’ homes. Kevin Casas-Zamora, Secretary General of IDEA, expressed concern about the state of global democracy, stating, “The current state of democracy worldwide is troubling.”
The report indicates that over half of nations—54%—saw a decline in at least one of the five main indicators of democracy between 2019 and 2024. Casas-Zamora emphasized that the most striking finding was the sharp deterioration in press freedom, which has worsened more in this timeframe than in any other 50-year period.
Violations of press freedom occurred across all continents, with 15 countries in Africa and 15 in Europe experiencing declines. Casas-Zamora attributed this to a “poisonous combination” of government overreach—some of it a legacy of pandemic-era policies—and the harmful effects of misinformation campaigns, some manufactured and others exploited by governments to justify restrictions.
The report also highlights concerns about the shrinking influence of traditional media globally and the disappearance of local outlets that are vital for fostering democratic discourse. Since the report’s scope ends in 2024, it does not account for the initial impacts of U.S. President Joe Biden’s administration since taking office. However, Casas-Zamora noted that recent developments during the 2024 U.S. election cycle and early 2025 are quite alarming, warning that what happens in the U.S. has the potential to influence democracy worldwide.
The decline in press freedom signals a concerning trajectory for democratic health, with the implications extending far beyond individual nations.
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