America’s democratic decline is becoming Europe’s problem, new report says

Key Points:

• A new report by the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA) highlights that democratic backsliding in the U.S. is weakening international rules and alliances crucial for Europe’s security and increasing global conflict risks.
• Between 2020 and 2025, the U.S. saw significant declines in democratic indicators such as judicial independence, press freedom, and parliamentary effectiveness, with nearly half of all indicators at their lowest since 1975.
• The report links U.S. democratic erosion to increased polarization and executive power consolidation under President Trump, which has undermined the rule of law and strained alliances and multilateral cooperation.
• IDEA warns that democratic decline is a global security threat, noting a record number of violent conflicts in 2025, with hybrid political systems experiencing more conflict than fully democratic or authoritarian regimes.
• Europe, while still leading in democratic rankings, also experienced more declines than advances, exemplified by the rise of far-right parties like Germany’s Alternative for Germany, which gained significant electoral ground in Saxony-Anhalt.