Why Poland’s Liberals Lost

The following Journal of Democracy essays chronicle the rise, fall, and resurgence of illiberal populism in Poland, and what it means for the country’s democratic future.

Can There Be Democracy Without Liberalism?

In a new online exclusive, Journal of Democracy cofounder Marc Plattner examines both what unites and distinguishes liberalism and democracy — and what liberal democracies must do to remain free.

Four Must-Reads from the July Issue!

The new issue of the Journal of Democracy grapples with the biggest challenges facing democracies of the past, present, and future. Don’t miss these four essays, free to read through July 31.

New JoD Podcasts!

The Journal of Democracy has partnered with the Review of Democracy podcast to share in-depth conversations with JoD authors on their latest essays. Listen, read, and learn!

Iran’s War on Iranians

The escalating conflict between Iran and Israel now includes the United States, and fears are growing that it could become a regional war. But there’s another war that people aren’t talking about: the Islamic Republic’s brutal campaign against its own people.

How the Duterte Clan Is Remaking the Marcos Playbook

The May 2025 Philippine midterms are just the latest chapter in a yearslong feud between the Marcos and Duterte clans. These essays below plot the twists and turns of the political drama, and explain why it’s really a diversion from meaningful democratic reform.