The period from 1990 to 2015 is considered the most democratic era in history, largely due to the support from Western powers for democratic governance. However, this trend seems to be shifting, especially with the rise of populism and nationalistic politics in recent years. The change is particularly evident under the Trump administration, which has diverged from the traditional U.S. stance of promoting democracy globally.

According to Steven Levitsky in "How Democracies Die," Trump's presidency marked a significant departure from previous U.S. administrations in their commitment to democratic values. With the U.S. no longer serving as a model for democracy, the implications of this shift could have long-lasting effects on global democratic movements and international relations.