Authoritarians on Offense

Global freedom is under dire threat. Around the world, the enemies of liberal democracy are accelerating their attacks. Authoritarian regimes have become more effective at coopting or circumventing the norms and institutions meant to support basic liberties and at providing aid to those who wish to do the same. In long-established democracies, internal forces have exploited societal divisions and democracy's shortcomings, distorting national politics either to gain power or to strengthen their grip on it. Meanwhile, countries that have struggled in the space between democracy and authoritarianism are increasingly tilting toward the latter. The global order is nearing a tipping point, and if democracy's defenders do not work together to guarantee freedom for all people, the authoritarian model will prevail.