V-Dem Institute

Only 8.4% of the world lives in a full democracy. But the differences between democracies may matter more than the label.

From Montesquieu’s mistake to Hungary’s crackdown—how checks and balances actually work.

How elected leaders dismantle democracy from within—and why it's so hard to stop once it starts.

A deep look at whether democracy is truly valued or just the socially acceptable position.

Explore why the world is retreating toward authoritarianism despite an era of decentralized technology and global connectivity.