9 July 2019 'slogan' 'self-deprecating' 'quotes' 'campaign'

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.

Is Germany Headed to a Political Crisis?

• Michael Bröning

After losing a confidence vote and triggering snap elections, can Olaf Scholz lead mainstream parties back to power, or will more radical forces prevail?

“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.

South Africa’s Watershed Election

• Peter M. Lewis

The ANC lost its majority for the first time, but populist forces were held at bay.

How South Korea’s Next Leader Should Handle Kim Jong-un

• Sheena Chestnut Greitens

South Korea is about to elect a new president. North Korea has changed in recent years. Seoul’s approach to the Kim regime must change to reflect new risks — and Korea’s democratic strength.

Oligarchs, Corruption, and European Integration

“Facing Up to the Democratic Recession”

Exchange on Nicaragua

Commentary on Leslie Anderson and Larry Dodd's July 2009 essay on Nicaragua's 2008 municipal elections.

January 1, 2010

KnausandMartin

Foa26Mounk-27-3

Why Aspiring Autocrats Are Watching Serbia

• Filip Milačić

Aleksandar Vučić is tearing down what remains of Serbian democracy while the West remains silent. Serbia has become a test case for democratic resolve, and the region’s would-be strongmen are taking notice.

How the World’s Most Popular Dictator Wins

• Manuel Meléndez-Sánchez

El Salvador’s Nayib Bukele may be overwhelmingly popular, but he wasn’t going to let his electoral ambitions hinge on being well-liked. Instead, he rigged the playing field before the first vote was cast.

Will Putin Outlast the War?

• Maria Snegovaya

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

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.

How Serbian Students Created the Largest Protest Movement in Decades

• Breza Race Maksimovic
• Srdja Popovic

They have been smart, creative, leaderless, and transparent. And they aren’t targeting any one politician or party. They aim to change the entire system.

Why Putin Isn’t Forever

• Damon Wilson

The Kremlin’s political theater shouldn’t be mistaken for an election or symbol of stability. It’s a sign of Putin’s weakness and the country’s descent into a deeper tyranny.

Alexei Navalny, In His Own Words

“Every opportunity must be used to speak out . . . I love Russia. My intellect tells me that it is better to live in a free and prosperous country than in a corrupt and impoverished one.”

Thailand’s Revolutionary Election

• Dan Slater

Thailand’s voters—especially its young people—have sent the country’s junta a message: They want change now. But will the military listen?

Drowning Democracy

• Jennifer Brick Murtazashvili
• Nataliia Shapoval

Afghanistan taught us that a firehose of unaccountable aid can destroy a country’s democratic future. In Ukraine, we are making the same mistake all over again.

Ukraine Belongs in the EU

• Oxana Shevel
• Maria Popova

Ukraine doesn’t just deserve EU membership. Its bid could revive and reunify Europe.