Democracy is in retreat, and human rights are hanging by a thread. A shocking new report reveals that nearly three-quarters of the world’s population now lives under autocratic rule—a level of global authoritarianism not seen since the 1980s. But here’s where it gets even more alarming: the very foundations of human rights are under siege, and the Trump administration’s actions are at the heart of this crisis.
Philippe Bolopion, Executive Director of Human Rights Watch (HRW), warns that the system upholding human rights is ‘in peril.’ He describes the rising authoritarian wave as ‘the challenge of a generation.’ And this is the part most people miss: it’s not just about one country or leader—it’s a global trend, with the U.S., once a champion of democracy, now seemingly working against the very principles it helped establish.
In a startling turn of events, 2025 marked a ‘tipping point’ for rights and freedoms in the U.S. Within just 12 months, the Trump administration launched a sweeping assault on the pillars of American democracy and the global rules-based order. From calls to ‘nationalize’ the U.S. voting system to revelations of a $500 million investment in Trump’s cryptocurrency company by an Emirati royal, the signs are undeniable. Bolopion puts it bluntly: ‘Every day, we see confirmation of this trend, but when you step back, you see an organized, relentless, determined assault on all the checks and balances meant to limit executive power.’
But here’s the controversial part: While Trump’s actions are a major driver, the report argues that this ‘democratic recession’ began decades ago. Democracy has regressed to 1985 levels, with 72% of the world’s population living under autocracy. Combined with Russia and China’s long-standing efforts to weaken the global order, this creates a ‘perfect storm’ for human rights. The question is: Can democracies unite to counter this trend, or is it too late?
Bolopion calls for a strategic alliance among democracies like the UK, the EU, and Canada to preserve the rules-based international order. Yet, even these nations aren’t immune to criticism. The UK, for instance, is accused of ‘repeatedly undermining’ rights in 2025, with its punitive immigration policies and authoritarian crackdown on protests. Anti-migrant rhetoric, fueled by leaders like Trump, is spreading across Europe, posing a ‘dangerous trend’ for human rights.
And this is where it gets thought-provoking: Is Trump’s rejection of international law in favor of his ‘own morality’ a dangerous precedent, or a necessary break from outdated norms? Bolopion warns that such actions, combined with China and Russia’s persistent undermining, are ‘crushing’ the international order. But what if this is an opportunity to redefine global governance? Should we be looking for new ways to protect rights, or is the current system worth fighting for?
The report highlights glimmers of hope, from anti-ICE protests in Minneapolis to calls for political change in Iran and Gen Z activism in Morocco. Civil society, Bolopion argues, is crucial in this ‘dangerous new world.’ But the real question remains: Can we turn the tide, or is democracy’s decline inevitable? What do you think? Is there still time to save human rights, or is the world heading toward an irreversible authoritarian future? Let’s debate this in the comments.
