The Facts
The International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance's (IDEA) annual report, released on Thursday, has claimed that 85 out of 173 surveyed countries saw a "decline in at least one key indicator of democratic performance" over the last five years.
The IDEA's Global State of Democracy Indices is based upon over 100 variables under the four primary categories of representation, rights, rule of law, and participation.
The Spin
Narrative A
The current democratic recession has only been encouraged by the decline in the global objectivity of the rule of law. Where conflict and corruption ravages society, foundational institutions that were once synonymous with impartiality are no more. If democracy is to be revitalized throughout the world, we must first look at reforming the systems that are meant to protect and ensure its very essence.
Narrative B
While this report is concerning, it must be taken with a grain of salt. International watchdogs of varying stripes have long predicted the downfall of global democracy, but it's important to note that the ratings are highly subjective. There are often hidden biases in the complex analysis of assessing the health of democracies worldwide, and catastrophic headlines do far more harm than good.