The annual Freedom in the World report by Freedom House indicates a 17-year trend of declining freedom and democracy globally, with concerns about increasingly authoritarian practices in nations previously seen as democratizing, such as Georgia. In a troubling move, Georgia has passed a law labeling foreign-funded organizations as 'spies', jeopardizing its EU aspirations. Meanwhile, in the U.S., President Joe Biden's unexpected withdrawal from the race for reelection has raised questions about the Democratic Party's unity and the future of its leadership under Kamala Harris. Observers noted a lack of dissent or alternative candidates at the Democratic National Convention, leading to speculation about the party's direction. Globally, many elections are being held under the guise of democracy, with autocracies maintaining power through engineered electoral processes. Despite these challenges, surveys indicate that democracy remains the preferred form of government for many citizens worldwide, even in regions where it is lacking.