Global Democracy Sees Unexpected Expansion

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  Published in Politics and Government on Thursday, February 26th 2026 at 11:00 GMT by Vox
      Locales: UNITED STATES, UKRAINE, UNITED KINGDOM, POLAND

Beyond the Headlines: A Global Surge in Democratic Expansion

It's become a near-universal refrain: democracy is in crisis. Daily news cycles are dominated by stories of strongmen, rigged elections, and escalating political violence. The narrative of democratic decline is powerful, deeply entrenched, and, frankly, understandable. It's easy to believe the best days of self-governance are behind us, that authoritarianism is not merely resurgent, but on a clear path to dominance.

However, buried beneath the constant barrage of negative headlines lies a surprisingly optimistic trend - one largely ignored by mainstream media. A recent report from V-Dem (Varieties of Democracy), a research project at the University of Gothenburg, reveals that over 70% of the world's population currently resides in countries where democratic rights have expanded over the last decade. This isn't a minor fluctuation; it's a significant global shift.

Consider the implications. While we rightly focus on democratic backsliding in certain regions - and there are indeed worrying examples - the overall trajectory suggests a broadening of freedom and participation for the vast majority of humanity. More people today than ever before are enjoying greater access to political rights, civil liberties, and the ability to hold their governments accountable.

Of course, this doesn't imply a utopian picture of global governance. The V-Dem report, and any realistic assessment of the state of democracy, acknowledges its inherent complexities and ongoing struggles. Setbacks occur. Authoritarian tendencies persist in numerous nations. Fragile democracies face constant threats from internal and external pressures. The struggle for liberty is, and always will be, a continuous process, not a destination.

So why isn't this overwhelmingly positive news dominating headlines? The answer is multi-faceted, and deeply intertwined with the mechanics of modern news consumption and the nature of political discourse.

Firstly, "good news doesn't sell." This isn't a cynical observation, but a demonstrable truth. Negative stories generate more clicks, shares, and engagement. Conflict, crisis, and controversy are inherently more attention-grabbing than incremental progress. News outlets, driven by economic imperatives, are naturally inclined to prioritize sensationalism over substantive, yet less dramatic, developments.

Secondly, we're living in an era of unprecedented political polarization. Individuals increasingly gravitate towards information sources that confirm their pre-existing beliefs, creating echo chambers where dissenting viewpoints are dismissed or actively demonized. This confirmation bias distorts perceptions and hinders our ability to objectively assess the state of affairs. If one already believes democracy is failing, they're more likely to focus on evidence supporting that claim, and disregard evidence to the contrary. Conversely, those inclined to believe in the resilience of democratic institutions may downplay the severity of challenges.

This polarization is amplified by the algorithmic curation of social media feeds, which prioritize engagement over accuracy or nuance. Algorithms are designed to show us what we want to see, reinforcing our biases and further isolating us from alternative perspectives. The result is a fragmented information landscape where shared understanding becomes increasingly difficult to achieve.

The consequences of this distorted perception are significant. By focusing solely on the negative, we risk creating a self-fulfilling prophecy of democratic decline. A pervasive sense of hopelessness can lead to political apathy, disengagement, and ultimately, the erosion of democratic values. Furthermore, ignoring positive developments obscures the strategies and policies that are actually working to strengthen democracy in various parts of the world. Learning from these successes is crucial for building a more resilient and inclusive future.

Democracy isn't a passive state of being; it's an active, ongoing project. It requires vigilance, participation, and a willingness to challenge our own assumptions. It demands that we seek out diverse sources of information, engage in constructive dialogue, and celebrate the victories - however incremental - that pave the way for a more just and equitable world. It's time to move beyond the doom and gloom and acknowledge the remarkable progress being made in expanding democratic freedoms globally, even as we remain committed to addressing the serious challenges that remain.