An annual global assessment of democratic development, democratic decline and autocratization. The 2026 report analyses democracy through electoral, liberal, participatory, deliberative and egalitarian dimensions and examines global trends, autocratizing/ democratizing countries, freedom of expression, media, civil society, elections and checks and balances.
Why it matters for ENACT-AI
The report is not an AI-literacy resource, but it provides an excellent framework for understanding the democratic environment in which AI and digital technologies operate. Its strong focus on freedom of expression, media censorship, civil society, participation and information makes it useful for analysing AI-related misinformation, algorithmic influence and digital manipulation.
Learning outcomes
Learners can explain key dimensions of democracy; distinguish democracy from autocracy; analyse democratic backsliding; interpret comparative democracy data; identify threats to freedom of expression and media independence; understand the importance of civil society and participation; and critically discuss how digital technologies and AI could affect democratic resilience, information environments and civic participation.
Suggested activity
“Democracy Under Pressure: What Role Could AI Play?” Students examine V-Dem data for several countries and identify which democratic dimensions are weakening. They then receive scenarios involving AI-generated political content, algorithmic recommendation systems, automated censorship or AI-supported civic participation. Groups decide whether each scenario could strengthen or weaken democracy, identify affected democratic principles and propose safeguards.