Global Rule of Law Declines for Ninth Straight Year, WJP Index Finds

Washington – The rule of law weakened in more countries than it strengthened for the ninth consecutive year, according to the World Justice Project’s 2026 Rule of Law Index, which warns that authoritarian practices are becoming entrenched worldwide.

The index, released Oct. 21, found that 62% of the 143 countries and jurisdictions measured declined, while 38% improved. Fewer countries slipped than last year, but the overall balance remains negative. More than 86% of countries have suffered a sustained five-year decline in at least one safeguard against authoritarian rule: limits on government power, open government, or fundamental rights, said WJP Executive Director Alejandro Ponce.

Shrinking civic space was the main driver. Freedom of assembly and association fell in 67% of countries, civic participation in 65%, and freedom of expression in 64%. Government interference also undermined justice systems, with civil justice weakening in 64% of countries and criminal justice in 58%.

Ponce also warned that weak institutions erode market confidence. Countries with per capita income above the global average of $14,406 scored 0.68 or higher on the index’s 0-to-1 scale, and those with investment-grade credit ratings scored at least 0.66.

Denmark ranked first, followed by Norway, Finland, Sweden and Luxembourg. Venezuela ranked last, preceded by Afghanistan, Haiti, Cambodia and Nicaragua. Haiti recorded the steepest decline at 5.6%, while Latvia made the largest gain at 1.6%.

In South Asia, Nepal again emerged as the top performer, ranking 71st globally with a score of 0.52, followed by Sri Lanka at 74th and India at 88th. Bangladesh is ahead of only Pakistan (131st) and Afghanistan (142nd). Nepal moved up one place from 72nd in 2025.