Do you agree? "Civicus, an international non-profit, puts USA alongside Democratic Republic of Congo, Italy, Pakistan and Serbia in countries with declining civil freedoms."

Do you agree? "In the news release announcing the US's addition, the organization cited recent actions taken by the Trump administration that they argue will likely "severely impact constitutional freedoms of peaceful assembly, expression, and association". The group cited several of the administration's actions such as the mass termination of federal employees, the appointment of Trump loyalists in key government positions, the withdrawal from international efforts such as the World Health Organization and the UN Human Rights Council, the freezing of federal and foreign aid and the attempted dismantling of USAid."

Do you agree? "Civicus described Trump's actions since taking office as an "unparalleled attack on the rule of law" not seen "since the days of McCarthyism in the twentieth century", stating that these moves erode the checks and balances essential to democracy. Do you agree this is happening in the USA? "Restrictive executive orders, unjustifiable institutional cutbacks, and intimidation tactics through threatening pronouncements by senior officials in the administration are creating an atmosphere to chill democratic dissent, a cherished American ideal," Tiwana said."

Do you agree? "Historically, Tiwana said, the US has been "considered the beacon of democracy and defense of fundamental freedoms". It was an important pillar of US foreign policy, even though it was imperfect, both domestically and how the US promoted it abroad," he added. But Tiwana believes that the recent actions and statements made by this US administration could empower authoritarian regimes around the world, undermine constitutional principles, and embolden those who "want to accumulate power and increase their wealth and their ability to stay in power for as long as possible". Tiwana says that he and the organization want to draw attention to the fact that those in power in the US are, in his view, engaging in a "zero-sum politics game" that is eroding "constitutional principles and frankly, engaging in, anti American behavior". "We urge the United States to uphold the rule of law and respect constitutional and international human rights norms," said Tiwana."