Expanding and Defending Freedom Around the World

Global freedom declined for the 20th consecutive year in 2025. But even in this especially challenging moment, there are reasons for optimism.

Policymakers, practitioners, and partners must come together to strengthen democratic coordination and collective action in a contested global order, reimagine international democracy assistance, and prioritize engagement with younger generations.

Explore the interactive Freedom in the World 2026 map where you can see country scores, Freedom Status, and trends.  

The Australian government has shown awareness of transnational repression and conducted outreach to diaspora communities, but the country’s legislative and sanctions framework are in need of reform to bolster the response. 

Governments around the world are increasingly exerting control over the technology that people depend on to access the free and open internet, according to a new report co-authored by the European University Institute and Freedom House.

Entrenched autocratic leaders are intensifying efforts to silence human rights defenders and democracy activists. Free Them All: The Fred Hiatt Program to Free Political Prisoners aims to document and study the cases of the thousands of activists who have been imprisoned or otherwise deprived of their liberty, and to advocate for their immediate release.