The "Nations in Transit 2024: A Region Reordered by Autocracy and Democracy" report released by the human rights organization Freedom House sheds light on the shifting dynamics of democracy and authoritarianism in the region spanning from Central Europe to Central Asia.

According to the report, the democracy index declined in 10 out of the 29 countries within the region, with only five countries registering improvements in democratic indicators.

The report highlighted geopolitical shifts accelerated by Moscow's actions in Ukraine and the Azerbaijani regime's actions in Karabakh, characterizing both events as manifestations of authoritarian expansion. President Michael Abramowitz warns that failure to protect democratic values could lead to further encroachment of dictatorship and repression in the region.

Estonia, Latvia, and Slovenia are recognized as the countries with the highest democracy index scores, while Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Azerbaijan, and Russia exhibit the lowest levels of democracy.

The report extensively addressed the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, attributing Azerbaijan's recent actions to long-standing intentions rather than external influences. President Ilham Aliyev's consolidation of power following the conflict is also highlighted.

Moreover, the report criticized the international community's symbolic response to Azerbaijan's actions, emphasizing the authorities' dismissal of reports from organizations like Freedom House as slander and prejudice.