Global Press Freedom Faces Sharpest Decline in 50 Years - Advanced English

The 2025 Global State of Democracy Report by International IDEA warns that press freedom has experienced its most severe erosion in five decades, reflecting wider democratic backsliding. Covering 174 states, the study highlights that 25% of countries registered declines in media freedom.

The steepest regressions occurred in Afghanistan, Burkina Faso, and Myanmar, each marked by conflict, authoritarianism, and socioeconomic fragility. South Korea was also notable, with former president Yoon Suk Yeol weaponizing defamation lawsuits against critical outlets before being ousted.

Context-specific challenges were observed elsewhere. In New Zealand, media consolidation has left four out of five journalists employed by only five companies. In Palestine, nearly 200 journalists have been killed since 2023, while Israel continues to restrict independent international coverage of Gaza. Al Jazeera faced suspensions from both Israel and the Palestinian Authority over “security concerns.”

Nonetheless, advances were recorded. Chile enacted protective measures for journalists, while Botswana, South Africa, Jordan, and Poland showed democratic gains. Yet, the U.S. drew criticism for retreating from democracy promotion, with analysts warning that domestic polarization now emboldens authoritarian actors rather than inspiring reform. The report concludes that systemic reforms are essential to safeguard democratic resilience and press freedom.