Why Europe Dominates the Freedom Rankings

Europe accounts for most of the world’s highest-scoring countries, led by the Nordics and Western Europe. Strong electoral systems, independent courts, press freedom, and protections for civil liberties helped countries like Finland, Sweden, Germany, and the Netherlands rank near the top globally.

Roth Note: Is this a joke? Strong electoral systems? Yes, rigged. Independent courts? Protect the invader prosecute the victim. Press freedom? Support the invader and villainize the native. Civil liberties? Not for the native European.

The Decline of the U.S.

Alongside Bulgaria and Italy, the United States had one of the steepest declines in its score in 2025 among countries classified as Free. The world’s leading superpower fell to a score of 81, its lowest on record, tying South Africa and falling behind Panama (82).

Over the past two decades, the U.S. score has slipped by 12 points, driven by rising polarization and political violence. The 2025 decline was caused in part by government efforts to crack down on nonviolent expression by citizens and noncitizens alike.

The weakening of anticorruption safeguards and enforcement practices by the new U.S. presidential administration was also cited as contributing to the lower score compared to previous years.

Roth Note: From the comments, one I wholeheartedly agree with:

Canada 97? Riiight.

Germany 95! Now, I know they’re full of ****.

UK, 92. Subject to immediate arrest for inconvenient social media.

USA, much less at 81. Data centers being built,driving up electricity prices. You’re the data. 1984 style cameras everywhere. 

Read the entire post at Zerohedge …