Another “Democracy Index” Ranks Hungary

In a global context of democratic decline, Hungary stands out for its significant improvement in the latest edition of the Economist Intelligence Unit‘s (EIU) Democracy Index for 2023, writes Mandiner. Despite an overall decrease in the index score from 5.29 in 2022 to 5.23, Hungary has moved up in the rankings, as anecdotal as they might be.

The report reveals that almost half of the world’s population live in some form of democracy, yet only a small fraction, 7.8%, reside in “full democracies” with scores above 8.00. With more than one-third of the world’s population living under authoritarian rule, the importance of democratic advancement cannot be understated.

Of particular note is the EIU’s classification of Hungary among the incomplete democracies, with a score of 6.72, marking a notable improvement and placing Hungary 50th in the world ranking.

This advancement is commendable, especially considering the broader trend of democratic stagnation and regression observed globally.

The report underscores the challenging environment for democracy worldwide, with only 32 countries improving their index scores in 2023, while 68 countries registered a decline. Most concerning is the stagnation and regression seen across non-democratic regimes, with authoritarian regimes becoming more entrenched and countries classified as hybrid regimes struggling to democratize.

Regional variations in democratic performance are also evident, with notable regressions in Latin America, the Caribbean, the Middle East, and North Africa.

Hungary’s progress in this context is particularly significant, reflecting positive momentum in its democratic trajectory amid broader regional challenges.

Furthermore, the EIU’s analysis of the relationship between democracy, war, and peace provides valuable insights into the geopolitical drivers of conflict and their impact on democratic governance. As conflicts spread across regions like the Sahel and West Africa, the importance of robust democratic institutions becomes increasingly apparent.

In light of these global trends, Hungary’s advancement in the democracy rankings is a testament to its commitment to democratic principles and institutional development.

The EIU’s Democracy Index report serves as a critical tool for assessing progress and identifying areas for improvement in democratic governance worldwide. As Hungary navigates its democratic journey, the insights provided by the EIU’s analysis may offer valuable guidance for shaping its future democratic trajectory.

Via Mandiner, Economist Intelligence Unit; Featured Image: Facebook / Országház