Political freedom has been in decline globally for over a decade, according to Freedom House’s annual Freedom in the World report. In recent years democratic governments have faced growing pressure from populist movements, disillusioned electorates, and foreign interference. Meanwhile the world’s autocratic regimes have felt emboldened to roll back political reforms. Why is global democracy in retreat today, and who can lead the defense of open, pluralistic political systems? To mark the release of Freedom House’s 2018 survey of global freedom a panel of experts will discuss the state of democracy and its future prospects.
