Promoting a Global Democratic Landscape

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class="media media--type-image media--view-mode-basic-hero"> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/2022-02/FIW_2022_Photo_Myanmar_Salute_Protest_WEB.jpg" width="2000" height="1334" alt="People gather in Myanmar to protest the February 1, 2021 military coup. (Image credit: Stringer/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)" typeof="foaf:Image" /> </div> </article> </div> <div class="grid basic-header-grid"> <div class="basic-header-text-wrapper"> <div class="basic-header-text-flex"> <div class="card-title"> </div> <h1 class="basic-h1">Promoting a Global Democratic Landscape</h1> </div> </div> </div> <div class="basic-header-image-overlay"> </div> <div class="banner-caption-wrapper" aria-hidden="true"> <div class="banner-caption-container"> <button class="banner-caption-toggle"><div><span class="visually-hidden">Caption</span></div></button> <div class="banner-caption hidden"> <div class="field field--name-field-caption field--type-text-long field--label-hidden caption field__item"><p>People gather in Myanmar to protest the February 1, 2021 military coup. (Image credit: Stringer/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)</p></div> <span></span></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="share-buttons-wrapper grid">  <div class="container share-buttons a2a_kit"> <a class="a2a_button_facebook" href=" " title="Facebook" aria-label="Share this page on Facebook"> <img src="/themes/custom/ts_freedomhouse/img/share-facebook.svg" alt="Facebook" width="30" height="30"> </a> <a class="a2a_button_twitter" href=" " title="Twitter" aria-label="Share this page on Twitter"> <img src="/themes/custom/ts_freedomhouse/img/share-twitter.svg" alt="Twitter" width="30" height="30"> </a> <a class="a2a_button_email" href=" " title="Email" aria-label="Share this page via email" target="_blank"> <img src="/themes/custom/ts_freedomhouse/img/share-email.svg" alt="Email" width="30" height="30"> </a> </div> </div> <div class="grid intro-text-paragraph friendly-block"> <div class="field field--name-description field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__item intro-text"><p>Democracy is the best system of government for protecting human rights and advancing peace, economic prosperity, and freedom, because it is the only one in which governments are accountable to their people. While no democracy is perfect in practice, the system provides citizens with effective tools for course correction and improvement. </p></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-page-blocks field--type-entity-reference-revisions field--label-hidden page blocks field__items"> <span class='hr'></span> <div class="lovey-block text-paragraph "> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--text paragraph--view-mode--default grid"> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-field-text field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p><strong>Jump to: </strong><a href="#Democracy"><strong>What is Democracy?</strong></a><strong> | </strong><a href="#Global"><strong>The State of Global Freedom</strong></a><strong> | </strong><a href="#Summit"><strong>Summit for Democracy</strong></a><strong> | </strong><a href="#Usa"><strong>US Democracy</strong></a><strong> | </strong><a href="#Elections"><strong>Free & Fair Elections</strong></a><strong> | </strong><a href="#Government"><strong>Government Accountability & Transparency</strong></a></p></div> </div> </div> <div class="lovey-block text-paragraph "> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--text paragraph--view-mode--default grid"> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-field-text field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>In the more than 50 years since Freedom House began monitoring and quantifying global political rights and civil liberties in the annual <em>Freedom in the World</em> report, there has been ample evidence that popular demand for freedom is strong, and that democratic progress is always possible.</p> <p>The report has shown that people from every region and culture want to exercise their fundamental rights and are capable of sustaining democratic movements even under extremely difficult circumstances.</p></div> </div> </div> <div class="lovey-block text-paragraph "> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--text paragraph--view-mode--default grid"> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-field-text field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p><span><span><span>However, the possibility of progress does not make it inevitable. </span></span></span>In every region of the world, democratic values and institutions are under attack by those who seek unchecked power to advance their own narrow interests.<span><span><span> As a consequence, the percentage of people worldwide living in Free countries has been in decline for much of the last two decades. </span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>This decline has resulted in a more hostile environment for individual countries’ democratization efforts and created openings for ambitious illiberal leaders.</span></span></span></p> <p> </p></div> </div> </div> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--full-width-cta paragraph--view-mode--default"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"><article class="media media--type-image media--view-mode-basic-hero"> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/2022-11/Top_Banner2_0.png" width="1016" height="350" alt="world map" typeof="foaf:Image" /> </div> </article> </div> <div class="text-wrapper"> <div class="grid"> <h2 class="field field--name-field-header field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item block-title-h2 white">Explore Key Moments from 50 Years of Freedom in the World</h2> <div class="field field--name-field-link field--type-link field--label-hidden field__items basic-header-button"> <a href="https://freedomhouse.org/report/freedom-world/50-Year-Timeline" class="large-button button blue field-item basic-header-button"> Visit the Freedom in the World Timeline </a> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="lovey-block text-paragraph "> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--text paragraph--view-mode--default grid"> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-field-text field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p> </p><h2><a class="ck-anchor" id="Democracy"></a><span>What Is Democracy?</span></h2><p>The word democracy has been applied, rightly or wrongly, to states of all types, from the “Democratic People’s Republic” of North Korea to the freest countries in Scandinavia. Misappropriation of the word is a testament to democracy’s widespread appeal. But this unfortunate practice causes confusion. It allows autocrats to both claim democratic credentials and argue that actual democracies are ineffective or hypocritical. The term becomes a distraction from autocratic behavior which is deeply undemocratic. Moreover, misue of the term has contributed to a misperception that all democracy requires is the regular performance of elections, regardless of whether they are free or fair.</p><figure role="group" class="caption caption-drupal-entity align-center image"> <div alt="hong kong protest" data-embed-button="media_browser" data-entity-embed-display="media_image" data-entity-embed-display-settings="{"image_style":"wysiwyg_full_width","image_link":"","image_loading":{"attribute":"lazy"}}" data-entity-type="media" data-entity-uuid="fcf9ce1f-f5c4-4ac9-a64c-6049bd95bc61" data-langcode="en" title="HKProtests" class="embedded-entity"> <img src="/sites/default/files/styles/wysiwyg_full_width/public/2022-07/Getty-protestations-HK-china-freedom.jpg?itok=clh7JHnF" alt="hong kong protest" title="HKProtests" typeof="Image" class="image-style-wysiwyg-full-width"> </div> <figcaption>Protesters rally in support of media freedom in Hong Kong. (Photo: Philippe Lopez, AFP/Getty Images)</figcaption> </figure> <p><strong>In its ideal form, democracy is a governing system based on the will and consent of the governed, institutions that are accountable to all citizens, adherence to the rule of law, and respect for human rights. </strong>It is a network of mutually reinforcing structures in which those exercising power are subject to checks both within and outside the state, for example from independent courts, independent media, and civil society. It requires an openness to changes in power, with rival candidates or parties competing fairly to govern for the good of the public as a whole, not just themselves or those who voted for them. It creates a level playing field so that all people, no matter the circumstances of their birth or background, can enjoy the universal human rights to which they are entitled and participate in politics and governance.</p><p>But democracy is more than just an ideal.<strong> It is a practical engine of self-correction and improvement that empowers people to constantly, peacefully struggle toward that ideal.</strong> When decisions or actions fall short of democratic principles, the tools of a democracy allow citizens and leaders to address those shortcomings, and to repair and strengthen the democratic system itself. This unique and inherent capacity for self-correction is what makes democracy so successful at delivering long-term stability and prosperity.</p><p>No democracy is without shortcomings, and those demanding democracy in places like Cuba and Myanmar are not demanding perfection. What they desire are the freedoms and the institutions that will allow them to create a better life and a more just society over time.</p><p> </p></div> </div> </div> <span class="hr"></span> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--image-plus-text paragraph--view-mode--default unfriendly-block"> <div class='grid'> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"><article class="media media--type-image media--view-mode-_-up-card"> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <picture> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/650x382_fp_scale_crop_/public/2024-08/TAIWAN-DEMOCRACY-PROTEST-2023.jpg?h=265e640d&itok=kYmd2DRz 1x" media="(min-width: 1441px)" type="image/jpeg" width="650" height="382"/> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/650x382_fp_scale_crop_/public/2024-08/TAIWAN-DEMOCRACY-PROTEST-2023.jpg?h=265e640d&itok=kYmd2DRz 1x" media="(min-width: 992px) and (max-width: 1440px)" type="image/jpeg" width="650" height="382"/> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/650x382_fp_scale_crop_/public/2024-08/TAIWAN-DEMOCRACY-PROTEST-2023.jpg?h=265e640d&itok=kYmd2DRz 1x" media="(min-width: 768px) and (max-width: 991px)" type="image/jpeg" width="650" height="382"/> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/420x250_fp_scale_crop_/public/2024-08/TAIWAN-DEMOCRACY-PROTEST-2023.jpg?h=265e640d&itok=93Ytxv4b 1x" media="(min-width: 401px) and (max-width: 767px)" type="image/jpeg" width="420" height="250"/> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/308x182_fp_scale_crop_/public/2024-08/TAIWAN-DEMOCRACY-PROTEST-2023.jpg?h=265e640d&itok=dygreM3M 1x" media="(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 400px)" type="image/jpeg" width="308" height="182"/> <img loading="eager" src="/sites/default/files/styles/308x182_fp_scale_crop_/public/2024-08/TAIWAN-DEMOCRACY-PROTEST-2023.jpg?h=265e640d&itok=dygreM3M" width="308" height="182" alt="Taiwanese students participate in the 'Sunflower Movement' protesting peacefully about democracy in Taiwan." typeof="foaf:Image" /> </picture> </div> </article> </div> <div class="one-up-cta-card-wrapper"> <h2 class="field field--name-field-header field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item default-header">Why Does Defending Defending Democracy Matter?</h2> <span class="one-up-cta-text"> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-field-text field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p><span>More than simple majority rule, democracy is a governing system based on the will and consent of the governed, institutions that are accountable to all citizens, adherence to the rule of law, and respect for the human rights of all people.</span></p></div> </span> <div class="field field--name-field-link-single field--type-link field--label-above field__item"> <a href="https://freedomhouse.org/article/what-democracy-and-why-does-defending-it-matter" class="large-button button blue chevron-right one-up-cta-button"> Learn More </a> </div> </div> </div> </div> <span class="hr"></span> <div class="lovey-block text-paragraph "> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--text paragraph--view-mode--default grid"> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-field-text field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><h2><a class="ck-anchor" id="Global"></a><span>The State of Global Freedom</span></h2><p><span>In every region of the world, democracy is under attack by leaders who demand unchecked power to advance their own interests, usually at the expense of minority groups, democratic activists, and a range of other perceived enemies. Freedom House tracks the ebb and flow of democratic governance worldwide in its annual reports and other research projects.</span></p><p><a href="https://freedomhouse.org/report/freedom-world"><em><strong>Freedom in the World</strong></em></a><span>, first published in 1973,</span> is the most widely read and cited report of its kind, tracking global trends in political rights and civil liberties for 50 years. For each of the 210 countries and territories covered by the report, <em>Freedom in the World</em> analyzes the electoral process, political pluralism and participation, the functioning of the government, freedom of expression and of belief, associational and organizational rights, the rule of law, and personal autonomy and individual rights. Based on that data and analysis, each country and territory receives an aggregate score between 0 and 100, and a status of Free, Partly Free, or Not Free.</p><p><a href="https://freedomhouse.org/report/nations-transit"><em><strong>Nations in Transit</strong></em></a><em> </em>evaluates the state of democracy across a 29-country region stretching from Central Europe to Central Asia. For each country in that region, Freedom House—in consultation with report authors, expert advisers, and regional reviewers—provides numerical ratings in seven categories that broadly represent the institutional underpinnings and health of liberal democracy. The ratings are based on a scale of 1 to 7, with 1 representing the lowest level of democracy and 7 the highest. These ratings focus on the health of the country's institutions in the broadest sense and are determined by considering the practical effect of actions by the state as well as nongovernmental actors.</p><p> </p></div> </div> </div> <span class="hr"></span> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--image-plus-text paragraph--view-mode--default unfriendly-block"> <div class='grid'> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"><article class="media media--type-image media--view-mode-_-up-card"> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <picture> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/650x382_fp_scale_crop_/public/2024-01/FIW24_Guatemala_Cover.jpg?h=790be497&itok=Wn1lkhGG 1x" media="(min-width: 1441px)" type="image/jpeg" width="650" height="382"/> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/650x382_fp_scale_crop_/public/2024-01/FIW24_Guatemala_Cover.jpg?h=790be497&itok=Wn1lkhGG 1x" media="(min-width: 992px) and (max-width: 1440px)" type="image/jpeg" width="650" height="382"/> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/650x382_fp_scale_crop_/public/2024-01/FIW24_Guatemala_Cover.jpg?h=790be497&itok=Wn1lkhGG 1x" media="(min-width: 768px) and (max-width: 991px)" type="image/jpeg" width="650" height="382"/> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/420x250_fp_scale_crop_/public/2024-01/FIW24_Guatemala_Cover.jpg?h=790be497&itok=_zk70ehs 1x" media="(min-width: 401px) and (max-width: 767px)" type="image/jpeg" width="420" height="250"/> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/308x182_fp_scale_crop_/public/2024-01/FIW24_Guatemala_Cover.jpg?h=790be497&itok=OLatL5O6 1x" media="(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 400px)" type="image/jpeg" width="308" height="182"/> <img loading="eager" src="/sites/default/files/styles/308x182_fp_scale_crop_/public/2024-01/FIW24_Guatemala_Cover.jpg?h=790be497&itok=OLatL5O6" width="308" height="182" alt="Bernardo Arevalo supporters cheer after their presidential victory in Guatemala." typeof="foaf:Image" /> </picture> </div> </article> </div> <div class="one-up-cta-card-wrapper"> <h2 class="field field--name-field-header field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item default-header">Dive into Freedom in the World 2024</h2> <span class="one-up-cta-text"> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-field-text field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>Freedom House’s flagship annual report has tracked and assessed the condition of political rights and civil liberties around the globe for more than 50 years. It contains numerical ratings and analysis for 195 countries and 15 territories, as well as insightful commentary on the latest developments in the struggle for democracy.</p></div> </span> <div class="field field--name-field-link-single field--type-link field--label-above field__item"> <a href="/report/freedom-world/2024/mounting-damage-flawed-elections-and-armed-conflict" class="large-button button blue chevron-right one-up-cta-button"> Explore the Report </a> </div> </div> </div> </div> <span class="hr"></span> <span class="hr"></span> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--image-plus-text paragraph--view-mode--default unfriendly-block"> <div class='grid'> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"><article class="media media--type-image media--view-mode-_-up-card"> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <picture> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/650x382_fp_scale_crop_/public/2024-03/NIT2024COVER_Poland.jpg?h=8d715888&itok=uvg6ywKb 1x" media="(min-width: 1441px)" type="image/jpeg" width="650" height="382"/> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/650x382_fp_scale_crop_/public/2024-03/NIT2024COVER_Poland.jpg?h=8d715888&itok=uvg6ywKb 1x" media="(min-width: 992px) and (max-width: 1440px)" type="image/jpeg" width="650" height="382"/> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/650x382_fp_scale_crop_/public/2024-03/NIT2024COVER_Poland.jpg?h=8d715888&itok=uvg6ywKb 1x" media="(min-width: 768px) and (max-width: 991px)" type="image/jpeg" width="650" height="382"/> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/420x250_fp_scale_crop_/public/2024-03/NIT2024COVER_Poland.jpg?h=8d715888&itok=heOYHa0l 1x" media="(min-width: 401px) and (max-width: 767px)" type="image/jpeg" width="420" height="250"/> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/308x182_fp_scale_crop_/public/2024-03/NIT2024COVER_Poland.jpg?h=8d715888&itok=GkfW8vF9 1x" media="(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 400px)" type="image/jpeg" width="308" height="182"/> <img loading="eager" src="/sites/default/files/styles/308x182_fp_scale_crop_/public/2024-03/NIT2024COVER_Poland.jpg?h=8d715888&itok=GkfW8vF9" width="308" height="182" alt="Polish voters gather for the ''March of a Million Hearts,” a pro-democratic rally in Warsaw that gathered up to 1 million participants on October 1, 2023. (Piotr Lapinski/NurPhoto via Getty Images)" typeof="foaf:Image" /> </picture> </div> </article> </div> <div class="one-up-cta-card-wrapper"> <h2 class="field field--name-field-header field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item default-header">Explore the Latest Edition of Nations in Transit</h2> <span class="one-up-cta-text"> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-field-text field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p><em><span>Nations in Transit</span></em><span> evaluates the state of democratic governance in the region stretching from Central Europe to Central Asia. For all 29 countries featured in </span><em><span>Nations in Transit</span></em><span>, Freedom House—along with a network of outside analysts and advisers—provides numerical ratings in seven categories that broadly represent the institutional underpinnings of liberal democracy.</span></p></div> </span> <div class="field field--name-field-link-single field--type-link field--label-above field__item"> <a href="/report/nations-transit/2024/region-reordered-autocracy-and-democracy" class="large-button button blue chevron-right one-up-cta-button"> Read More </a> </div> </div> </div> </div> <span class="hr"></span> <div class="lovey-block text-paragraph "> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--text paragraph--view-mode--default grid"> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-field-text field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><h2><a class="ck-anchor" id="Summit"></a><span>Summit for Democracy</span></h2><p><span>Freedom House has engaged actively in the first and second Summits for Democracy, an initiative led by the administration of US president Joseph Biden and held in partnership with other democratic governments around the world.</span></p><p><span>The Summit for Democracy offers leaders from more than 100 countries the opportunity to learn about the shared challenges faced by democratic governments. The event includes representatives of the state, civil society, philanthropic organizations, and the private sector. The participants are urged to make specific pledges to advance democratic ideals and support democratic movements at home and abroad.</span></p></div> </div> </div> <span class="hr"></span> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--_-up-cta paragraph--view-mode--default unfriendly-block"> <div class="container"> <div class="content-side-padding"> <h2 class="field field--name-field-header field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item card-list">Freedom House and the Summit for Democracy</h2> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-ctas field--type-entity-reference-revisions field--label-hidden grid-wrapper three-up-cards grid"> <div class="three-up-card"> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--image-plus-text paragraph--view-mode--_-up-card"> <a href="/2023/summit-for-democracy/political-prisoners" aria-label="2023 Summit For Democracy" class="three-up-card-link-wrapper"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"><article class="media media--type-image media--view-mode-_-up-card"> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <picture> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/340x200_fp_scale_crop_/public/2023-04/Secretary_Blinken_Participates_in_the_Summit_for_Democracy_%2852782107384%29.jpg?h=ac778ff2&itok=j6O39r0z 1x" media="(min-width: 1441px)" type="image/jpeg" width="340" height="200"/> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/340x200_fp_scale_crop_/public/2023-04/Secretary_Blinken_Participates_in_the_Summit_for_Democracy_%2852782107384%29.jpg?h=ac778ff2&itok=j6O39r0z 1x" media="(min-width: 992px) and (max-width: 1440px)" type="image/jpeg" width="340" height="200"/> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/340x200_fp_scale_crop_/public/2023-04/Secretary_Blinken_Participates_in_the_Summit_for_Democracy_%2852782107384%29.jpg?h=ac778ff2&itok=j6O39r0z 1x" media="(min-width: 768px) and (max-width: 991px)" type="image/jpeg" width="340" height="200"/> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/700x260_fp_scale_crop_/public/2023-04/Secretary_Blinken_Participates_in_the_Summit_for_Democracy_%2852782107384%29.jpg?h=ac778ff2&itok=9o5nqEkw 1x" media="(min-width: 401px) and (max-width: 767px)" type="image/jpeg" width="700" height="260"/> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/308x182_fp_scale_crop_/public/2023-04/Secretary_Blinken_Participates_in_the_Summit_for_Democracy_%2852782107384%29.jpg?h=ac778ff2&itok=TXsDGYDu 1x" media="(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 400px)" type="image/jpeg" width="308" height="182"/> <img loading="eager" src="/sites/default/files/styles/308x182_fp_scale_crop_/public/2023-04/Secretary_Blinken_Participates_in_the_Summit_for_Democracy_%2852782107384%29.jpg?h=ac778ff2&itok=TXsDGYDu" width="308" height="182" alt="The Second Summit for Democracy" typeof="foaf:Image" /> </picture> </div> </article> </div> <h3 class="field field--name-field-header field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item card-title">2023 Summit For Democracy</h3> </a> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-field-text field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p><span><span><span>The 2023 summit was cohosted by the United States, Costa Rica, the Netherlands, South Korea, and Zambia.</span></span></span></p></div> </div> </div> <div class="three-up-card"> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--image-plus-text paragraph--view-mode--_-up-card"> <a href="/article/second-summit-democracy-governments-and-civil-society-pledge-take-action" aria-label="Government & Civil Society Declarations" class="three-up-card-link-wrapper"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"><article class="media media--type-image media--view-mode-_-up-card"> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <picture> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/340x200_fp_scale_crop_/public/2022-12/14821796316_092eb25ce6_o.jpg?h=23a969f9&itok=aU79YtR9 1x" media="(min-width: 1441px)" type="image/jpeg" width="340" height="200"/> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/340x200_fp_scale_crop_/public/2022-12/14821796316_092eb25ce6_o.jpg?h=23a969f9&itok=aU79YtR9 1x" media="(min-width: 992px) and (max-width: 1440px)" type="image/jpeg" width="340" height="200"/> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/340x200_fp_scale_crop_/public/2022-12/14821796316_092eb25ce6_o.jpg?h=23a969f9&itok=aU79YtR9 1x" media="(min-width: 768px) and (max-width: 991px)" type="image/jpeg" width="340" height="200"/> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/700x260_fp_scale_crop_/public/2022-12/14821796316_092eb25ce6_o.jpg?h=23a969f9&itok=7Q4A5iW9 1x" media="(min-width: 401px) and (max-width: 767px)" type="image/jpeg" width="700" height="260"/> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/308x182_fp_scale_crop_/public/2022-12/14821796316_092eb25ce6_o.jpg?h=23a969f9&itok=ZEi7kS-A 1x" media="(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 400px)" type="image/jpeg" width="308" height="182"/> <img loading="eager" src="/sites/default/files/styles/308x182_fp_scale_crop_/public/2022-12/14821796316_092eb25ce6_o.jpg?h=23a969f9&itok=ZEi7kS-A" width="308" height="182" alt="US¬–Africa Leaders Summit in Washington, DC. " typeof="foaf:Image" /> </picture> </div> </article> </div> <h3 class="field field--name-field-header field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item card-title">Government & Civil Society Declarations</h3> </a> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-field-text field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p><span><span><span>One of the primary policy outcomes of the second Summit for Democracy was a governmental declaration of shared principles, but Freedom House and other civil society groups offered their own perspective.</span></span></span></p></div> </div> </div> <div class="three-up-card"> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--image-plus-text paragraph--view-mode--_-up-card"> <a href="/report/summit-democracy/2021/summit-democracy-ratings-scores" aria-label="2021 Summit For Democracy" class="three-up-card-link-wrapper"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"><article class="media media--type-image media--view-mode-_-up-card"> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <picture> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/340x200_fp_scale_crop_/public/2023-03/summit.png?h=180df7f0&itok=AgNmEPa- 1x" media="(min-width: 1441px)" type="image/png" width="340" height="200"/> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/340x200_fp_scale_crop_/public/2023-03/summit.png?h=180df7f0&itok=AgNmEPa- 1x" media="(min-width: 992px) and (max-width: 1440px)" type="image/png" width="340" height="200"/> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/340x200_fp_scale_crop_/public/2023-03/summit.png?h=180df7f0&itok=AgNmEPa- 1x" media="(min-width: 768px) and (max-width: 991px)" type="image/png" width="340" height="200"/> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/700x260_fp_scale_crop_/public/2023-03/summit.png?h=180df7f0&itok=5nVWCf5j 1x" media="(min-width: 401px) and (max-width: 767px)" type="image/png" width="700" height="260"/> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/308x182_fp_scale_crop_/public/2023-03/summit.png?h=180df7f0&itok=C-bfDeu9 1x" media="(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 400px)" type="image/png" width="308" height="182"/> <img loading="eager" src="/sites/default/files/styles/308x182_fp_scale_crop_/public/2023-03/summit.png?h=180df7f0&itok=C-bfDeu9" width="308" height="182" alt="Summit " typeof="foaf:Image" /> </picture> </div> </article> </div> <h3 class="field field--name-field-header field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item card-title">2021 Summit For Democracy</h3> </a> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-field-text field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p><span>The inaugural Summit for Democracy was held in 2021. Read more about that event and review democracy ratings, scores, and areas of concern for each country, drawn from Freedom House's trusted research.</span></p></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <span class="hr"></span> <div class="lovey-block text-paragraph "> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--text paragraph--view-mode--default grid"> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-field-text field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><h2><a class="ck-anchor" id="Usa"></a>Democracy in the United States</h2><div alt="People in Washington, D.C. Editorial credit: Eliyahu Yosef Parypa / Shutterstock.com" title="United States Country Portal Photo" data-langcode="en" data-entity-type="media" data-entity-uuid="262b7ded-daa2-4b63-b1e7-208c4ba8070e" data-embed-button="media_browser" data-entity-embed-display="media_image" data-entity-embed-display-settings="{"image_style":"wysiwyg_full_width","image_link":"","image_loading":{"attribute":"lazy"}}" class="align-center embedded-entity"> <img src="/sites/default/files/styles/wysiwyg_full_width/public/2019-10/UnitedStates_updated_hero_shutterstock_125879927.jpg?itok=aAS5V2mp" alt="People in Washington, D.C. Editorial credit: Eliyahu Yosef Parypa / Shutterstock.com" title="United States Country Portal Photo" typeof="Image" class="image-style-wysiwyg-full-width"> </div> <p>Freedom House believes that the United States, as the world’s most influential democracy, has an essential part to play in the global struggle for liberty. The country has a unique capacity and a moral obligation to cultivate alliances with free nations and lend support to democracy’s advocates in authoritarian or transitional settings.  </p><p>A strong US democracy ultimately contributes to the freedom, security, and prosperity of all people by promoting stable democratic governance in other countries, helping to prevent armed conflicts and failed states, and upholding an international order based on human rights and the rule of law.</p><p>To play this role globally and to continue to safeguard the rights of Americans, the United States must be a strong and healthy democracy at home.  The United States has faced domestic and international challenges, resulting in a weakening of American democracy over recent years.  </p></div> </div> </div> <span class="hr"></span> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--image-plus-text paragraph--view-mode--default unfriendly-block"> <div class='grid'> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"><article class="media media--type-image media--view-mode-_-up-card"> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <picture> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/650x382_fp_scale_crop_/public/2020-02/Promoting_US_Leadership_THUMBNAIL_shutterstock_1617325837-14.jpg?h=1b4facbd&itok=bzSeE-xS 1x" media="(min-width: 1441px)" type="image/jpeg" width="650" height="382"/> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/650x382_fp_scale_crop_/public/2020-02/Promoting_US_Leadership_THUMBNAIL_shutterstock_1617325837-14.jpg?h=1b4facbd&itok=bzSeE-xS 1x" media="(min-width: 992px) and (max-width: 1440px)" type="image/jpeg" width="650" height="382"/> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/650x382_fp_scale_crop_/public/2020-02/Promoting_US_Leadership_THUMBNAIL_shutterstock_1617325837-14.jpg?h=1b4facbd&itok=bzSeE-xS 1x" media="(min-width: 768px) and (max-width: 991px)" type="image/jpeg" width="650" height="382"/> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/420x250_fp_scale_crop_/public/2020-02/Promoting_US_Leadership_THUMBNAIL_shutterstock_1617325837-14.jpg?h=1b4facbd&itok=WcPy1L2R 1x" media="(min-width: 401px) and (max-width: 767px)" type="image/jpeg" width="420" height="250"/> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/308x182_fp_scale_crop_/public/2020-02/Promoting_US_Leadership_THUMBNAIL_shutterstock_1617325837-14.jpg?h=1b4facbd&itok=hf4n0H-C 1x" media="(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 400px)" type="image/jpeg" width="308" height="182"/> <img loading="eager" src="/sites/default/files/styles/308x182_fp_scale_crop_/public/2020-02/Promoting_US_Leadership_THUMBNAIL_shutterstock_1617325837-14.jpg?h=1b4facbd&itok=hf4n0H-C" width="308" height="182" alt="United States Capitol Building. Washington, DC. Editorial credit: Darryl Brooks / Shutterstock.comL: " typeof="foaf:Image" /> </picture> </div> </article> </div> <div class="one-up-cta-card-wrapper"> <h2 class="field field--name-field-header field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item default-header">Visit Our US Democracy Hub</h2> <span class="one-up-cta-text"> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-field-text field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>Learn more about the current state of democracy in the United States, review the work of the Task Force on US Strategy to Support Democracy and Counter Authoritarianism, and discover how a strong democratic government in the United States can help improve conditions for others worldwide.</p></div> </span> <div class="field field--name-field-link-single field--type-link field--label-above field__item"> <a href="/issues/promoting-us-leadership" class="large-button button blue chevron-right one-up-cta-button"> Learn More </a> </div> </div> </div> </div> <span class="hr"></span> <div class="lovey-block text-paragraph "> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--text paragraph--view-mode--default grid"> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-field-text field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><h2><a class="ck-anchor" id="Elections"></a><span>Free & Fair Elections</span></h2><figure role="group" class="caption caption-drupal-entity align-center image"> <div alt="Women show their voter ID cards as the queue at the polling station during the Nigerian general elections in February 2019." data-embed-button="media_browser" data-entity-embed-display="media_image" data-entity-embed-display-settings="{"image_style":"wysiwyg_full_width","image_link":"","image_loading":{"attribute":"lazy"}}" data-entity-type="media" data-entity-uuid="24683af7-7e54-4e42-be04-f1a8b7294c93" data-langcode="en" title="Nigeria_ElectionWatch" class="embedded-entity"> <img src="/sites/default/files/styles/wysiwyg_full_width/public/2023-01/Nigeria%20Election%20Watch.jpg?itok=KeOUGcFB" alt="Women show their voter ID cards as the queue at the polling station during the Nigerian general elections in February 2019." title="Nigeria_ElectionWatch" typeof="Image" class="image-style-wysiwyg-full-width"> </div> <figcaption>Women show their voter ID cards as they queue at a polling station during the Nigerian general elections in February 2019. (Photo: Flickr/Commonwealth Secretariat)</figcaption> </figure> <p><span>There is more to democracy than just free and fair elections, but there can be no democracy without them. Constant vigilance is required to protect this foundational freedom from the threats it faces, which range from old-fashioned fraud on election day to media manipulation and regulatory obstacles during the campaign period.</span></p><p><span>Freedom House works with local groups to promote voter participation and monitor elections.</span></p></div> </div> </div> <span class="hr"></span> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--image-plus-text paragraph--view-mode--default unfriendly-block"> <div class='grid'> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"><article class="media media--type-image media--view-mode-_-up-card"> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <picture> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/650x382_fp_scale_crop_/public/2021-02/election-watch-for-the-digital-age.jpg?h=2240b8e9&itok=K8PMi6CE 1x" media="(min-width: 1441px)" type="image/jpeg" width="650" height="382"/> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/650x382_fp_scale_crop_/public/2021-02/election-watch-for-the-digital-age.jpg?h=2240b8e9&itok=K8PMi6CE 1x" media="(min-width: 992px) and (max-width: 1440px)" type="image/jpeg" width="650" height="382"/> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/650x382_fp_scale_crop_/public/2021-02/election-watch-for-the-digital-age.jpg?h=2240b8e9&itok=K8PMi6CE 1x" media="(min-width: 768px) and (max-width: 991px)" type="image/jpeg" width="650" height="382"/> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/420x250_fp_scale_crop_/public/2021-02/election-watch-for-the-digital-age.jpg?h=2240b8e9&itok=uD_OKeRZ 1x" media="(min-width: 401px) and (max-width: 767px)" type="image/jpeg" width="420" height="250"/> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/308x182_fp_scale_crop_/public/2021-02/election-watch-for-the-digital-age.jpg?h=2240b8e9&itok=LOJqHxT0 1x" media="(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 400px)" type="image/jpeg" width="308" height="182"/> <img loading="eager" src="/sites/default/files/styles/308x182_fp_scale_crop_/public/2021-02/election-watch-for-the-digital-age.jpg?h=2240b8e9&itok=LOJqHxT0" width="308" height="182" alt="Freedom House - Election Watch for the Digital Age" typeof="foaf:Image" /> </picture> </div> </article> </div> <div class="one-up-cta-card-wrapper"> <h2 class="field field--name-field-header field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item default-header">Election Watch for the Digital Age</h2> <span class="one-up-cta-text"> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-field-text field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>Freedom House’s Election Watch project offers in-depth analysis ahead of key elections around the world, including those in Partly Free and Not Free countries. Each assessment informs technology companies, policymakers, and civil society organizations about the risks of human rights violations and digital interference ahead of an election. </p></div> </span> <div class="field field--name-field-link-single field--type-link field--label-above field__item"> <a href="/report/election-watch-digital-age" class="large-button button blue chevron-right one-up-cta-button"> Explore </a> </div> </div> </div> </div> <span class="hr"></span> <div class="lovey-block text-paragraph "> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--text paragraph--view-mode--default grid"> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-field-text field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><h2><a class="ck-anchor" id="Government"></a><span>Government Accountability & Transparency</span></h2><p><span>A well-functioning democracy requires strong safeguards against official corruption, which can erode public services and damage faith in the democratic system if left unchecked. Corruption can also be exploited by incumbent politicians and foreign states to subvert the public interest. Any effort to expose, punish, and deter corruption must begin with an increase in transparency and accountability in government.</span></p><p><span>Freedom House research has documented a global decline in government accountability, transparency, and the rule of law. Authoritarian leaders commonly ignore the most basic elements of due process, misuse the justice system to protect allies and persecute opponents, and cultivate corruption as a means of buying loyalty and exerting influence. Freedom House supports local efforts to uncover malfeasance, strengthen the rule of law, hold human rights abusers to account, and promote judicial reforms.</span></p></div> </div> </div> <span class="hr"></span> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--image-plus-text paragraph--view-mode--default unfriendly-block"> <div class='grid'> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"><article class="media media--type-image media--view-mode-_-up-card"> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <picture> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/650x382_fp_scale_crop_/public/2023-03/52176940481_790bda91bd_o.jpg?h=8b1a521b&itok=zZ95Juur 1x" media="(min-width: 1441px)" type="image/jpeg" width="650" height="382"/> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/650x382_fp_scale_crop_/public/2023-03/52176940481_790bda91bd_o.jpg?h=8b1a521b&itok=zZ95Juur 1x" media="(min-width: 992px) and (max-width: 1440px)" type="image/jpeg" width="650" height="382"/> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/650x382_fp_scale_crop_/public/2023-03/52176940481_790bda91bd_o.jpg?h=8b1a521b&itok=zZ95Juur 1x" media="(min-width: 768px) and (max-width: 991px)" type="image/jpeg" width="650" height="382"/> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/420x250_fp_scale_crop_/public/2023-03/52176940481_790bda91bd_o.jpg?h=8b1a521b&itok=fD4RoaNy 1x" media="(min-width: 401px) and (max-width: 767px)" type="image/jpeg" width="420" height="250"/> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/308x182_fp_scale_crop_/public/2023-03/52176940481_790bda91bd_o.jpg?h=8b1a521b&itok=YSBTCYWs 1x" media="(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 400px)" type="image/jpeg" width="308" height="182"/> <img loading="eager" src="/sites/default/files/styles/308x182_fp_scale_crop_/public/2023-03/52176940481_790bda91bd_o.jpg?h=8b1a521b&itok=YSBTCYWs" width="308" height="182" alt="A voter educator with the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission in Mombasa, Kenya assists a voter to confirm their voter status and voting station during a Civic Engagement Forum at Majengo Village Hall" typeof="foaf:Image" /> </picture> </div> </article> </div> <div class="one-up-cta-card-wrapper"> <h2 class="field field--name-field-header field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item default-header">Government Accountability Hub</h2> <span class="one-up-cta-text"> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-field-text field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>Learn more about regional programs aimed at increasing civic engagement, boosting the rule of law, and improving government transparency.</p></div> </span> <div class="field field--name-field-link-single field--type-link field--label-above field__item"> <a href="/issues/government-accountability-transparency" class="large-button button blue chevron-right one-up-cta-button"> Learn More </a> </div> </div> </div> </div> <span 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field--label-hidden">Your wallet could soon become a microchip on your nail</span> <span class="visually-hidden"> opens in new tab </span></h3> </a> <p class="card-text inline">August 19, 2022</p> </div> </div> <div class="views-row"> <div class="node node--type-article node--view-mode-teaser ds-1col clearfix"> <div class="field field--name-field-external-platform field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"><div about="/taxonomy/term/102" id="taxonomy-term-102" class="taxonomy-term vocabulary-external-platform"> <div class="content external-platform-image"> <div class="field field--name-field-wordmark field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <div class="layout layout--onecol"> <div class="layout__region layout__region--content"> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/2020-02/The_Hill_logo_30px.png" width="187" height="30" alt="The Hill logo" 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<div class="layout__region layout__region--content"> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/2020-02/The_Washington_Post_logo_30px.png" width="193" height="30" alt="the washington post logo" typeof="foaf:Image" /> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2022/08/14/india-independence-75-years-flags-injustice/" target=_blank> <h3 class="card-title"><span class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden">Opinion|Raise your Indian flags high: There’s much injustice to cover up</span> <span class="visually-hidden"> opens in new tab </span></h3> </a> <p class="card-text inline">August 14, 2022</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <span class="hr"></span> <span class="hr"></span> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type-content-list paragraph--view-mode-preview ds-1col clearfix unfriendly-block"> <div class="container"> <div class="content-side-padding flex-row sm-margin-bottom"> <h2 class="field field--name-field-title field--type-string field--label-hidden card-list no-vertical-margin inline field__item">Featured Freedom House Experts</h2> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-curated-content field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden grid vertical-gap curated-content four-up-card field__items"> <div class="field__item"><div class="node node--type-person node--view-mode-teaser ds-1col clearfix"> <div class="flex-wrapper person"> <a href="/expert/michael-abramowitz" tabindex="-1"> <div class="round-thumbnail person"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/styles/480_square_crop/public/2023-08/9.png?h=8a7fc05e&itok=TuvIzgjg" width="480" height="480" alt=" Michael Abramowitz ,President" typeof="foaf:Image" class="image-style-_80-square-crop" /> </div> </div> </a> <div class="inline"> <a href="/expert/michael-abramowitz"> <h3 class="card-title"><span class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden">Michael Abramowitz</span> </h3> </a> <p class="attribute">Former President</p> <a href="https://www.twitter.com/abramowitz" target="_blank" aria-label="abramowitz Twitter account opens in new tab" class="person-twitter-link"> <p class="attribute small twitter">abramowitz</p> </a> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field__item"><div class="node node--type-person node--view-mode-teaser ds-1col clearfix"> <div class="flex-wrapper person"> <a href="/expert/grant-baker" tabindex="-1"> <div class="round-thumbnail person"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/styles/480_square_crop/public/2024-11/Grant-Baker.png?h=7f412c8f&itok=1cj2Q2GT" width="480" height="480" alt="Grant Baker" typeof="foaf:Image" class="image-style-_80-square-crop" /> </div> </div> </a> <div class="inline"> <a href="/expert/grant-baker"> <h3 class="card-title"><span class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden">Grant Baker</span> </h3> </a> <p class="attribute">Research Analyst for Technology and Democracy</p> <a href="https://www.twitter.com/@GrantJBaker" target="_blank" aria-label="@GrantJBaker Twitter account opens in new tab" class="person-twitter-link"> <p class="attribute small twitter">@GrantJBaker</p> </a> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field__item"><div class="node node--type-person node--view-mode-teaser ds-1col clearfix"> <div class="flex-wrapper person"> <a href="/expert/annie-wilcox-boyajian" tabindex="-1"> <div class="round-thumbnail person"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/styles/480_square_crop/public/2023-08/4.png?h=8a7fc05e&itok=jdBcWncq" width="480" height="480" alt=" Annie Wilcox Boyajian Vice President for Policy and Advocacy" typeof="foaf:Image" class="image-style-_80-square-crop" /> </div> </div> </a> <div class="inline"> <a href="/expert/annie-wilcox-boyajian"> <h3 class="card-title"><span class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden">Annie Wilcox Boyajian</span> </h3> </a> <p class="attribute">Vice President for Policy and Advocacy, Mark Palmer Distinguished Fellow</p> <a href="https://www.twitter.com/AnnieBoyajian" target="_blank" aria-label="AnnieBoyajian Twitter account opens in new tab" class="person-twitter-link"> <p class="attribute small twitter">AnnieBoyajian</p> </a> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field__item"><div class="node node--type-person node--view-mode-teaser ds-1col clearfix"> <div class="flex-wrapper person"> <a href="/expert/allie-funk" tabindex="-1"> <div class="round-thumbnail person"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference 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