An examination of the global trend towards authoritarianism.
Our thoughts. | Blog posts. | October 3, 2025. | Written by Sebastiaan D. Smit, Esq.
Recent years have seen a notable shift in the landscape of global governance. A growing body of research indicates a steady increase in authoritarian practices and a corresponding decline in democratic norms across numerous countries. This phenomenon, often termed “autocratization” or “democratic backsliding,” presents a significant alteration to the post-Cold War political consensus and warrants a closer examination of its mechanisms and implications.
Data from institutions that monitor global freedom and democracy, such as the V-Dem Institute and Freedom House, consistently highlight this trend. The V-Dem Institute’s 2023 Democracy Report, for instance, notes that the level of democracy experienced by the average global citizen has regressed to levels last seen in 1986. This regression is not typically characterized by abrupt military coups, but rather by a gradual and systematic process of institutional change.
The erosion of the rule of law
A central element in this global trend is the transformation of the role of law within the state. The principle of the rule of law, where all actors, including the government, are accountable to a set of established and impartial laws, is being challenged. In its place, a model of “rule by law” is emerging in some nations, where law is used primarily as an instrument for exercising state power and achieving political objectives.
This process can be observed through several key developments:
Changes to the judiciary – a common tactic involves altering the independence of the judicial branch. This can include methods such as changing the appointment process for judges to favor political loyalists, pressuring judiciaries to align with executive policy, or disregarding court rulings that challenge government actions. The result is a weakening of judicial oversight as a check on executive power.
Instrumentalization of legislation – new laws are often drafted and enacted to expand state control. Legislation concerning national security, “foreign influence,” or the spread of “misinformation” is frequently framed in broad terms, granting authorities wide-ranging powers to regulate speech, assembly, and media operations. These laws can effectively constrain the activities of opposition groups, civil society organizations, and independent journalism.
Undermining of due process – established legal protections, often referred to as due process, are also being eroded in various contexts. This can include the weakening of the presumption of innocence, limitations on access to legal counsel, and an increase in arbitrary detentions. Such changes impact the fairness and impartiality of the legal system for all citizens, particularly those in political opposition.
Implications for the international order
This trend toward authoritarianism carries significant implications for international relations and human rights. It challenges the international legal frameworks designed to protect fundamental freedoms and creates a more complex environment for diplomacy and global cooperation. International bodies and non-governmental organizations frequently report on the growing pressure faced by human rights defenders, journalists, and legal professionals in countries undergoing autocratization.
In conclusion, the contemporary rise of authoritarianism is a multifaceted phenomenon characterized by a subtle but persistent dismantling of democratic institutions from within. By leveraging the tools of law and state, governments in various parts of the world are reshaping their political systems to concentrate power and limit dissent. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for analyzing the current state of global governance and its future trajectory.