Democracy in Retrograde pdf download

German Voters Trigger a Political Earthquake

• Michael Bröning

The far-right AfD surged ahead in the European Union elections. It is now one of Germany’s dominant parties, and not just part of the fringe.

Is Ukraine Too Corrupt to Join the EU?

• Maria Popova

Despite the country’s steady progress fighting corruption, even in wartime, skeptics warn it’s not enough. But this is just an excuse. Their real concern is how Putin’s Russia would respond.

How One Small Change to the Way We Vote Could Do a World of Good

• Kimana Zulueta-Fülscher

The world’s liberal democracies are deeply polarized. Here’s how we could help rebuild the political center.

Our Favorite Books of 2023

New works on China, Russia, political philosophy, English history, and much more graced our shelves this year. Here are the JoD staff’s favorite books of the year.

Breaking Han Silence

• Tenzin Dorjee

China’s recent protests marked a crucial milestone: The mainstream Chinese public, at home and abroad, finally spoke up for the Uyghurs and their plight.

Why Alexei Navalny Mattered in Life and Still Matters in Death

• Kathryn Stoner

Vladimir Putin may have imprisoned, tortured, and killed the brilliant opposition leader, but even now Navalny is a threat to the corrupt autocracy he has built.

Macron’s Dangerous Game

• Thomas Regan-Lefebvre

France is burning through prime ministers and Macron’s political gambles are going bust. The French president needs to change his tactics before it’s too late.

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.

Putin’s Big Gamble

• Robert Person

The Kremlin’s order to call up Russians to fight in Ukraine risks massive protests. It’s the riskiest decision of Putin’s rule, and it could lead to his undoing.

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. 

Why Vladimir Putin Is Still Afraid to Say Alexei Navalny’s Name

• Vladimir Milov

Russia’s dictator lives in fear. He knows the Russian people don’t support him. He can’t even muster a street rally without bribes or threats. No number of fake elections will change that.

Viktor Orbán’s Newest Tool for Crushing Dissent

• Sándor Ésik

He has created a new office with massive investigatory powers that are vaguely defined and leave everyone on edge. In other words, it’s classic Orbán.

How Tragedy Sparked a Protest Movement

• John Chin

Serbs from all walks of life have had enough with their corrupt, inept, and increasingly authoritarian government. Will Serbia’s president be able to withstand the crisis?

Why the German Far Right Is Beginning to Win

• Michael Bröning

For years, they were a fringe vote. Now they are broadening their agenda, tapping into voter frustration, and getting Germans to favor them once again.

How Guatemalans Are Defending Their Democracy

• Manuel Meléndez-Sánchez
• Laura Gamboa

They are organized, nonviolent, and they have come out in great numbers. Guatemalans may also be writing the script on how to defeat democracy’s enemies.

Why Vladimir Putin’s Luck Ran Out

• Michael McFaul

For twenty years, the Russian autocrat enjoyed a string of good fortune in coming to power and cementing his rule. He had raised Russia’s standing in the world. Then he invaded Ukraine.

What It Takes to Win the New Cold War with China

• Carl Gershman

Our struggle against the Soviet Union offers vital lessons for how to confront the aggressive totalitarian threat that Beijing now represents.

Why Sanctions Don’t Work Against Dictatorships

• Agathe Demarais

From Putin’s invasion to Kim’s nuclear saber rattling, the West has punished the world’s worst regimes. But have sanctions missed their targets?

Why TikTok Is a Threat to Democracy

• Aynne Kokas

The popular Chinese-owned app is enabling Beijing to collect data on people nearly everywhere. Not only can such platforms track people’s preferences and whereabouts, but they give the Chinese government control over a powerful tool for shaping people’s worldview.

The Curse of the Ex-Presidents

• Casey Cagley

Across Latin America, former leaders are keeping a chokehold on their countries’ politics. It’s time their successors break free.