Examining How Democracy and Power Shaped a Year of Elections

At a time when more than 70 percent of the world's population are living in autocracies, the role of a free and independent press to inform citizens and voters around the world has never been more vital. Over the past year, reporters from The New York Times in more than 30 countries brought issues of trust and disinformation, threats to democracy, and exclusive reporting to readers around the world.

"It was an extraordinary year in politics, and our correspondents delivered essential reporting on elections around the world, holding power to account, cutting through misinformation, casting a light on hidden stories and explaining the issues with expertise that comes only from being on the ground," said Philip Pan, international editor of The New York Times. "A free and independent press is critical for the health of democracies, and our coverage showed why."

In a new video, Times reporters reflect on their reporting, how democracy and power influenced a year of elections and the independent journalism underpinning the way readers understand the world.