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.
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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.
Is This the Beginning of a New Bangladesh?
Bangladeshis resoundingly voted for constitutional reform, but executing on this promise will be no small task. The hardest work for this newly restored democracy lies ahead.
Is a Stronger Europe Good for Democracy?
It certainly should be. But the reality is that Europe’s newfound autonomy isn’t producing the stalwart defense of democracy that the world now requires.
What Nicaragua Teaches Us About Saving Venezuela’s Democracy
Nicaragua is a corrupt, dictatorial outpost. But it didn’t have to be the case. And its path offers valuable lessons for how to achieve a successful democratic transition in Venezuela today.
Con Maduro fuera, ¿está Cuba lista para caer?
La administración Trump está aumentando la presión y la dictadura insular atraviesa una crisis profunda. Pero ¿cuál es el plan para recoger los pedazos?
With Maduro Gone, Is Cuba Ready to Fall?
The Trump administration is ratcheting up the pressure, and the island dictatorship is in deep crisis. But what is the plan for picking up the pieces?
Why Iran’s Mullahs Are Running Out of Options
Iran has been plagued by economic turmoil and popular unrest in recent years as international sanctions stiffened and citizens bucked against the regime’s grip on civil life.
Cómo Venezuela realmente se convierte en una democracia
El país suramericano puede estar a punto de un cambio real. Pero no va a terminar en un caos de guerra civil como el de Libia. Será difícil, imperfecto y mucho mejor que lo que los venezolanos han tenido que aguantar.