The world's 12 most populous countries saw declines in a global index measuring democratic accountability. Prof. Helmut K. Anheier speaks on stage during the 2024 Berggruen Governance Index at UCLA Luskin on Wednesday, May 15, 2024, in Los Angeles. The forum aims to foster discussions on best governance practices and explore sustainable solutions for strengthening democratic governance and promoting global stability. Those gains have come in spite of overall stagnant scores for state capacity.The 10 most improved countries in democratic accountability include four in Africa — Tunisia, Gambia, Liberia and Libya — plus Peru, Armenia, Bhutan, Iraq, Myanmar and Afghanistan. The new ruling coalition in Poland, where a right-wing populist government accused of undermining democratic standards was defeated in the 2023 elections, shows «the potential for the democratic renewal of illiberal regimes,» the report said.Top of the democratic accountability index was Denmark at 99 points out of 100.
