Expanding and Defending Freedom Around the World

Violence and the repression of political opponents during elections, ongoing armed conflicts, and the spread of authoritarian practices contributed to the 19th year of declining freedom. In the year to come, all those who understand the value of political rights and civil liberties must work together in the defense of democracy.
 

Democratic governments, donors, and the private sector must deepen their solidarity with front-line allies, hold dictators accountable for rights abuses and corruption, and invest in democratic institutions at home and abroad. 

Explore the interactive Freedom in the World 2025 map, where you can see country scores, Freedom Status, and trends. 

Governments around the world are increasingly exerting control over the technology that people depend on to access the free and open internet, according to a new report co-authored by the European University Institute and Freedom House.

Around the world, autocrats are detaining, prosecuting, and imprisoning legal and judicial professionals as part of a larger assault on the rule of law. Supporters of democracy should guard against and condemn the early signs of erosion, not just for upholding the rights and liberties of other citizens, but also for ensuring a country’s security and prosperity.

Entrenched autocratic leaders are intensifying efforts to silence human rights defenders and democracy activists. Free Them All: The Fred Hiatt Program to Free Political Prisoners aims to document and study the cases of the thousands of activists who have been imprisoned or otherwise deprived of their liberty, and to advocate for their immediate release.