PJLC Launches ThreatIndex.org to Track Democratic Decline

The Peace and Justice Law Center (PJLC) has launched ThreatIndex.org, a new public tool designed to help the public, journalists, and policymakers understand the current state of American democracy and identify warning signs of authoritarianism.

The Threat to Democracy Index is a structured, nonpartisan system that measures democratic backsliding using a weekly score. It evaluates nine core indicators of democratic decline—such as erosion of judicial independence, consolidation of executive power, and the use of centralized propaganda—using a transparent, 10-point rubric grounded in political science, constitutional law, and historical research.

Each weekly update pairs visual scores with plain-language analysis explaining how recent political developments fit into broader historical patterns. The goal is to move beyond reactive headlines and provide a shared framework for understanding whether isolated events reflect deeper, systemic risks.

PJLC developed the Index after hearing from nonprofit leaders and advocates struggling to assess the scale and speed of democratic decline following recent national political shifts. As PJLC expanded its work to address federal threats to the rule of law, the need for a clear, objective measurement tool became increasingly urgent.

ThreatIndex.org is now live and includes methodology, data explanations, weekly commentary, and educational materials. PJLC will use the Index to inform litigation, policy advocacy, and strategic coordination with partners working to defend democratic institutions and protect civil rights.