While 2024 was a year of conflict and upheaval, it was also marked by perseverance, determination, and people’s unwavering desire for liberty, even in dire circumstances.
As we predicted a year ago, 2024 was indeed a pivotal year for freedom worldwide. Over the last 12 months, we’ve documented the steady erosion of political and internet freedom; witnessed the horrific conflicts in Ukraine, Gaza, Sudan, and Myanmar; and sounded the alarm over the spread of antidemocratic trends worldwide. While it is easy to be disheartened by these developments, we can take heart from inspiring examples of resilience and sacrifice which lead us to believe that the cause of freedom will ultimately prevail.
Around the world, people stood tall in the face of violence and repression. Voters let their will be known. And people developed new strategies to confront new challenges. Here are five developments that give us hope for 2025:
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