In 2024, elections will be held in 64 countries plus the European Union, affecting 49 percent of the people in the world. Voters in the United States, the United Kingdom and South Korea will choose a leader. In many other countries, including Russia, North Korea and Venezuela, the outcome is, of course, not in doubt. And in others, including Bangladesh, Pakistan and perhaps India, the elections will not be free and fair.

Driven by economic inequality, mass immigration and demographic changes, and radio, TV, internet and social media echo chambers that have hypercharged conspiracy theories and partisan polarization, undemocratic values are gaining ground throughout the world. More often than not, anti-democrats have begun with attacks on democracy from within, implementing restrictions on eligibility to run for office or vote; gerrymandering election districts; controlling who adjudicates political disputes; and undermining or outlawing an independent press. They have then created one-party states that can no longer be effectively challenged by their citizens.

According to a study by Freedom House, global freedom declined for the 17th straight year in 2023. And the United States is on the fastest downward trajectory, with our country’s democratic attributes now on par with........

© The Hill