Part 9/10:
In Western Asia, over a third of countries grapple with declining rule of law and civil liberties. Europe, meanwhile, is experiencing democratic backsliding, despite some nations like Montenegro making reforms. The Americas present a grim picture, with Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela witnessing alarming declines in governance and freedom, driven by authoritarian regimes, violence, and erosion of press freedom.
The Asia-Pacific region presents a mixed outlook. While countries such as Fiji, the Maldives, and Thailand have shown democratic gains, others like Afghanistan and Myanmar have suffered setbacks. Notably, Myanmar remains mired in civil war following the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan in 2021, which has led to a deeply oppressive regime and ongoing instability.