Why Viktor Orbán Is in Trouble
A series of unforced errors, poor results, and a worthy opponent are part of the explanation. But there are wider lessons that may explain how Orbán and other illiberal leaders can be defeated.
Why Viktor Orbán Is in Trouble
The April Issue Is Here
Read why AI isn’t the autocrat’s silver bullet, how authoritarian middle powers are subverting democracy, why the global democratic recession should have come as no surprise, what we misunderstand about populism and how it affects liberal democracy, and much more.
Taiwan Needs More Than Democracy to Defend Itself
Taiwan held its first direct presidential election thirty years ago. Today it faces relentless threats from the Chinese Communist Party. Its best defense is self-deterrence.
The Election Fraud Epidemic
Nowadays some politicians cry “fraud” even before the election. Too often the accusation has nothing to do with electoral manipulation. It has become a weapon to attack institutions, justify antidemocratic measures, and reject election results.
Trust, Blood, and Power in Putin’s Russia
Who does Putin trust? Russia is governed by an array of “ruling dynasties,” where kinship and personal ties matter over all else. Where corruption goes unchecked, nepotism rules.
Africa’s Critical-Mineral Boom Needs Democratic Guardrails
In Africa, the race for critical minerals isn’t just about supply chains and industrial strategy. It underscores the need to build democratic institutions to govern the new mineral rush while protecting citizens’ rights.
Why Xi Jinping Is Purging China’s Top Leaders
Xi’s ongoing purge of China’s leaders — including his political allies — marks a return to Mao-style court politics. He is cementing his absolute control — and laying the groundwork for a major succession crisis.
Why African Publics Turn to Military Coups
Africans don’t want military rule. They want generals to rid them of bad leaders, and then return to the barracks. But once in power, military leaders often have other ideas.
Will Germany’s Firewall Fall?
In the first contests of Germany’s “super election year,” the radical-right AfD performed well far from its strongholds. The country may soon decide it’s time to cooperate with the party rather than try to contain it.
Inside Russia’s Psychological War on European Democracy
Russia’s influence operations are more concerned with reshaping voters’ fears and anxieties than convincing them of any specific falsehood. To survive, democratic values need to be defended and mobilized.
Safeguarding Democracy for the AI Era
Thousands of workers lost their jobs last week — laid off by CEOs anticipating sweeping changes to their businesses made possible by the latest advances in artificial intelligence.
Iran’s Democratic Hopes Amid the Smoke of War
If the war ends with the dismantling of the regime’s repressive apparatus, the Iranian people will have a rare, if fraught, opportunity. The totalitarian mindset often survives totalitarian regimes.
What’s Wrong with Democracy?
How can we restore support for democracy in the world?” Journal of Democracy cofounder Larry Diamond sees three keys to reviving the drive for and commitment to democratic government: “Power, Performance, and Legitimacy.”
Why the Islamic Republic Still Stands
After January’s mass protests, Iran seemed on the verge of revolutionary upheaval. How is it weathering the U.S.-Israeli assault?
Does a Moral Gap Explain Democracy’s Crisis?
When people think their political system violates the moral rules they live by, they lose faith in their leaders and democracy itself. Some withdraw from politics. Others turn to anyone who promises to “clean things up.”
How Many Followers Would Plato Have?
If Plato had a Substack, it would be overlooked. The old system of gatekeeping was replaced with one that rewards engagement over truth. We need to protect the ideas an algorithm can’t measure.
Why China’s Effort to Erase Tibetan Identity Can’t Succeed
Tibet is one of the most heavily policed regions in the world. Beijing has spent decades trying to assimilate the Tibetan people through force. It will never succeed.
Venezuela’s Best Chance for Democracy
The country’s civil society is reemerging, opposition leaders are returning, and activists are taking to the streets. Even more, Washington has the leverage to bring about real change. Will it seize the moment?
Tracking Tyranny in an Age of Democratic Backsliding
The slide from democracy to authoritarianism is often subtle, gradual, and driven from within. The newly launched Tyranny Tracker is a sophisticated tool for classifying political regimes across the spectrum.
Why Beijing Thinks Jimmy Lai Is a Dangerous Criminal
Newspaper publisher Jimmy Lai was just sentenced to twenty years in prison. His persecution offers a window into how freedom has been undone in Hong Kong. It should be a warning to us all.