US No Longer a Liberal Democracy, V-Dem Report Finds

The United States has been downgraded from a “liberal democracy” to an “electoral democracy” according to the 2026 Varieties of Democracies (V-Dem) Institute’s annual Democracy Report, released on March 19, 2026. The report cites a concerning decline in freedom of expression and the suppression of dissenting voices as key factors in this shift.

Decline in Freedom of Expression

V-Dem’s assessment reveals that freedom of expression in the U.S. Has reached its lowest level since the end of World War II. This decline is attributed to what researchers describe as the “suppression and intimidation of media and dissenting voices” [CNN]. The report highlights a rise in media self-censorship, driven by fears of political pressure or legal repercussions [La Voce di Latest York].

A Global Trend Towards Autocratization

The V-Dem report doesn’t isolate the U.S. As an anomaly. It identifies a broader global trend of “autocratization,” with 43 countries currently experiencing a decline in democratic standards, whereas only 12 are showing improvements [CNN]. Four of the world’s five most populous nations – India, China, Indonesia, and Pakistan – are already classified as autocracies [CNN].

What is V-Dem?

The Varieties of Democracies (V-Dem) Institute, based at the University of Gothenburg in Sweden, provides a comprehensive dataset measuring democracy across 202 countries and territories [V-Dem]. V-Dem distinguishes between five principles of democracy: electoral, liberal, participatory, deliberative, and egalitarian, using hundreds of indicators to assess each [V-Dem]. The institute is funded by a variety of organizations, including Swedish institutions, the European Commission, the World Bank, and the National Science Foundation [CNN].

Key Takeaways

• The U.S. Has been downgraded to an “electoral democracy” by the V-Dem Institute.
• Freedom of expression in the U.S. Is at its lowest level since WWII.
• A global trend of “autocratization” is underway, affecting 43 countries.
• The report cites suppression of media and dissenting voices as a primary concern.

Looking Ahead

The V-Dem report serves as a stark warning about the state of democracy, not just in the United States, but globally. The findings underscore the importance of protecting freedom of expression and safeguarding democratic institutions against erosion. The release of V-Dem’s latest data, v16, provides a detailed analysis of these trends and offers a crucial resource for policymakers and researchers alike [V-Dem].