Varieties of Democracy Institute Report Assesses United States as No Longer a Democracy

The Varieties of Democracy Institute (V-Dem) at the University of Gothenburg published its annual report on global democratic trends. The report classifies the United States as no longer a liberal democracy. It notes that the country is experiencing a decline in democratic standards, moving toward autocracy more rapidly than nations such as Hungary and Turkey.

V-Dem's assessment relies on data from over 3,000 indicators across more than 200 countries, tracked since 1789. The institute defines liberal democracies by criteria including free and fair elections, civil liberties, and independent judiciaries. The United States' reclassification stems from observed erosions in these areas over recent years.

The V-Dem project involves contributions from more than 3,500 country experts worldwide to measure democracy in granular detail.

Its annual reports provide updates on democratic backsliding or progress globally. This year's findings highlight the United States alongside other countries facing similar challenges, though at an accelerated pace compared to Hungary and Turkey. U.S.

decline but emphasizes trends in electoral integrity and institutional autonomy. Hungary and Turkey serve as comparative examples in the analysis, both of which have been documented in prior V-Dem reports as undergoing autocratization processes. The institute's data underscores a broader global pattern of democratic erosion affecting multiple regions.

This classification affects perceptions of U.S. governance both domestically and internationally. Stakeholders, including policymakers, academics, and civil society organizations, may reference the report in discussions on democratic reforms. The findings could influence foreign policy, aid allocations, and international alliances that prioritize democratic partners.

Looking ahead, V-Dem plans to continue monitoring these trends in future reports. The institute recommends actions to reverse autocratization, such as strengthening judicial independence and electoral safeguards. Affected parties in the United States include voters, political institutions, and advocacy groups focused on governance standards.