2019 USDOJ USDA public service award recipient

Democracy Without Liberalism?

• Marc F. Plattner

We have long assumed democracy and liberalism went hand in hand. But in truth there have always been tensions between them, and the rise of illiberal democracy cannot be ignored.

The (Final) Rise of Anwar Ibrahim

• Sophie Lemière

The democratic icon’s path to prime minister has been tortuous and long. But is Malaysia’s pluralism slipping away precisely when Anwar is getting his shot to lead the nation?

Will Putin Outlast the War?

• Maria Snegovaya

Russia’s autocrat may be weakened, but his grip on power is greater than many people realize.

Why Georgia Has Erupted in Protest

• Ghia Nodia

The country is at risk of collapsing into a full Russian autocracy, and Georgians understand it as a make-or-break moment. The strength and resolve of the country’s civil society will decide the outcome.

How Taiwan Should Combat China’s Information War

• Tim Niven

Beijing assaults Taiwan with a nonstop barrage of conspiracy theories and lies to undermine people’s faith in democracy — and China’s efforts are getting more sophisticated. Taiwan must do even more to fight back. 

Welcome to Manila’s Game of Thrones

• Richard Javad Heydarian

The struggle between the Marcos and Duterte clans isn’t just a battle between two houses. It is becoming a proxy fight between the United States and China for the future of the Indo-Pacific. 

Georgia’s Make-or-Break Election

• Ghia Nodia

Later this month the country will be holding an absolutely pivotal election. The stakes? Whether Georgia will remain anchored to the West or become Vladimir Putin’s newest satellite state.

Is Israel Losing Its Last Democratic Safeguard?

• Oded Haklai
• Andrew O’Donohue

The country’s mass protests were its last democratic guardrail. But Israel’s wartime goals have become a higher priority than keeping Netanyahu in check.

Is South Korea’s New President Good for Democracy?

• Gi-Wook Shin

South Koreans have elected Lee Jae-myung president. Will he be a pragmatic democratic reformer? Or will he continue the polarizing political warfare of recent South Korean leaders?

How Drug Wars Destroy Democracy

• Juan Masullo
• Abbey Steele

Colombia’s drug war has ravaged the country — leaving tens of thousands dead, disappeared, or displaced and entire communities broken. Democracy is among the casualties.

The Return of Robert Fico

• Tim Haughton
• Darina Malová

The perennial Slovak politician practices a hardnosed, vengeful form of politics. It is also bad news for the future of Slovakian democracy.

Why Germans Are Rallying Against the Far Right

• Michael Bröning

Hundreds of thousands of Germans are taking to the streets in protest against the country’s far-right parties. Will it shift the tide or leave Germany further divided?

Why Ukraine Will Win

• Francis Fukuyama

The country’s military is advancing on the battlefield. If Ukraine defeats Russia’s massive army, the ripple effects will be felt across the globe.

Why Did Argentina Just Elect a Radical Right-Wing Political Outsider?

• Virginia Oliveros
• Emilia Simison

By choosing Javier Milei, Argentinian voters didn’t just reject the status quo. They have sent their country hurtling in an unknown direction.

Why Slovakia Is Rising Up in Protest

• John Chin

The people have taken to the streets to demonstrate against corruption and Prime Minister Robert Fico’s pro-Moscow policies. Once again, Slovaks see their future in Europe, not Russia.

Stop Trying to “Defeat” Russia and China

• Ali Wyne
• Liana Fix

Moscow and China pose a great danger to the democratic world. But they pose threats that need to be managed, not won. Every great foreign-policy battle doesn’t end with a decisive victory.

4/23 Event: “The Authoritarian Resurgence”

"The Authoritarian Resurgence: China, Russia, Saudi Arabia, and Venezuela" panel discussion featuring JoD authors Javier Corrales, Andrew J. Nathan, Lilia Shevtsova, and Frederic Wehrey. (4/23, 12-2 pm, at NED)

April 14, 2015

“I Have No Doubts That Navalny Was Killed on Putin’s Orders.”

• Zhanna Nemtsova

Alexei Navalny was one of the bravest and most influential political leaders of our time. His assassination should be a wake-up call for Western democracies.

Putin’s Formula for Ruling Russia Is Failing

• Robert Person

The Russian autocrat’s system of control has rested on pillars that are beginning to crumble.

10 Days Left to Read the October Issue for Free

Authoritarian aggression, democratic recession, political violence, nationalism, and far-right resurgence. The latest issue of the Journal of Democracy offers incisive analysis and cogent solutions to these troubling trends across the globe.