Trump's US Policies Fuel Global Authoritarianism, HRW Warns

A report released on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, indicates a global decline in democracy, mirroring levels seen in 1985. The findings, published by Human Rights Watch (HRW), attribute this shift to the leadership of U.S. President Donald Trump and a resulting increase in authoritarianism worldwide.

Erosion of Democratic Norms

Since returning to office, Donald Trump’s administration has demonstrably shown “blatant disregard for human rights and flagrant violations” of those rights, according to the HRW report. This has coincided with a weakening of democracy within the United States, a nation historically considered a leading liberal democracy and advocate for rules-based international order.

Attacks on Democratic Institutions

The report details a “broad assault on the core tenets of U.S. Democracy,” including the use of “racist stereotypes to portray entire groups of people as unwanted.” Policies and rhetoric aligned with white nationalism have also been adopted. Specifically, the report cites aggressive raids by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents in Minneapolis, Minnesota, as an example of the administration targeting states with opposing political leadership.

Global Implications

HRW asserts that the U.S., under Trump, has actively undermined the rules-based international order, rather than supporting it. This has, in turn, emboldened nations like Russia and China, which seek to diminish U.S. Influence globally. Amnesty International’s Secretary General, Agnes Callamard, recently echoed these concerns, stating the world has regressed to 1985 levels in terms of the number of people living in democracies.

Did You Know? Donald Trump was sworn into office as the oldest person ever elected president of the United States, at 78 years old.

A Call for Alliance

HRW Executive Director Philippe Bolopion believes a response is possible. He suggests a “strategic alliance” between major democracies – including the United Kingdom, the European Union, Australia, Canada and Japan – to bolster international human rights and multilateral institutions. Bolopion argues that these nations, individually, lack the power to counter the influence of the U.S. Or China, but collectively could form a significant political and economic force.

Expert Insight: The HRW report highlights a concerning trend of democratic backsliding, not just within the United States, but globally. The potential for a fractured international order, with competing spheres of influence, presents significant challenges for maintaining stability and upholding human rights standards.

Frequently Asked Questions

What did the HRW report conclude about the state of democracy?

The HRW report concluded that democracy globally has regressed to levels not seen since 1985, coinciding with Donald Trump’s return to the U.S. Presidency.

What actions by the Trump administration were cited in the report?

The report cited a “broad assault on the core tenets of U.S. Democracy,” the use of racist stereotypes, policies aligned with white nationalism, and the targeting of states with opposing political leadership through federal agencies.

What is the proposed response to this trend?

HRW suggests a “strategic alliance” between major democracies – including the United Kingdom, the European Union, Australia, Canada, and Japan – to support international human rights and multilateral institutions.

As global democratic norms face increasing pressure, what role will international cooperation play in safeguarding human rights and promoting stability?

Trump’s US Policies Fuel Global Authoritarianism, HRW Warns