Germany Is Now the World’s Leading Democracy

From shadows of the past to beacon of democratic resilience — and how the U.S. can reclaim its place

History has taken a striking turn: the nation that once unleashed two world wars and gave rise to fascism has become a global model of democracy. Meanwhile, the country that once crossed the Atlantic to help liberate Europe from Nazi tyranny is now led by figures whose actions — and gestures — echo the very authoritarianism they once fought against.

Germany today not only scores an impressive 95 out of 100 on the Freedom House index, reflecting strong civil liberties and political rights, but also ranks as the world’s third-largest economy, trailing only the U.S. and China.

The United States, long hailed as a global champion of freedom, can no longer be considered a functioning democracy. Since the beginning of Trump’s second term, the country has spiraled into a constitutional crisis. Voting rights have been systematically stripped, due process undermined, and press freedom openly attacked. A record number of billionaires now occupy key positions in Trump’s cabinet, effectively turning governance into oligarchy.

Trump has exploited presidential powers to manipulate markets for personal gain, dismantled critical institutions, and undermined both scientific integrity and the independence of the judiciary. He has praised authoritarian regimes while alienating long-standing democratic allies.

These are not isolated events — they reflect textbook hallmarks of fascism: silencing dissent, attacking truth, and centralizing power. America is no longer a beacon of freedom, but a cautionary tale.

A Call to Action

But this is not the end of the story. The fight for freedom and democracy in the U.S. is neither over nor futile — in fact, it has never been more vital or more vibrant. There is good reason to believe that America can reclaim its place as a leading democracy.

Millions of Americans are rising up against Trump’s policies. Across cities and states, they are organizing, mobilizing, and refusing to look away. They understand that Trump is far weaker than he wants the public to believe — and that he holds no mandate to dismantle the nation’s democratic foundations. Only 31% of eligible voters cast their ballots for Trump. Many who once supported him now express deep regret. His approval ratings are in free fall.

While the challenges are grave, they serve as a wake-up call — a critical moment to recommit ourselves to the values that once defined American democracy. As Senator Bernie Sanders aptly puts it: “Despair is not an option. Giving up is not acceptable. And none of us have the privilege of hiding under the covers. The stakes are just too high.”

The stakes are nothing less than freedom itself: the freedom to speak your mind without fear. The freedom to exist without persecution. The freedom to stand up for what you believe in.

The U.S. can still change course. But time is short. It will take all of us — engaged, informed, and steadfast in our resolve. Democracy doesn’t die overnight. It survives when people choose to defend it — and refuse to let it slip away.

What you can do

In a recent article, I summarized concrete steps anyone can take to help thwart Trump’s authoritarian agenda — read it here:

Help Defeat Trump — 7 Concrete Steps Anyone Can Take

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