Democracy in Retrograde pdf download

How to Build a Movement

Steadfast, nonviolent movements are often the most effective way to counter an authoritarian. These essays explain how to start, sharpen, and sustain a movement.

Will Maduro’s Autocratic Allies Desert Him?

• Adriana Boersner-Herrera

Nicolás Maduro’s regime has long relied on support from China, Cuba, Russia, and other authoritarians to stay afloat. But now that the United States is stepping up the pressure, will his fellow autocrats leave him high and dry?

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.

Ethiopia: The 100% Election

The End of the Duterte Dynasty?

• Richard Javad Heydarian

The ICC arrest of former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte is a shocking blow for the Duterte clan, and the Marcos family isn’t letting up. Is this the political last stand for the Dutertes?

Inside Orbán’s Plan to Occupy Europe

• Kim Lane Scheppele

The Hungarian prime minister is on a mission to overrun Brussels, disrupt the EU, and consolidate his power at home. It just might work.

Women Are Leading Venezuela’s Fight for Democracy

• Paola Bautista de Alemán

María Corina Machado’s Nobel Peace Prize has made her the face of the struggle for democracy in Venezuela. But throughout the opposition, women are the backbone of the fight against Nicolás Maduro’s corrupt authoritarian regime.

Why Germany’s Far Right Is Winning Big

• Michael Bröning

The far-right Alternative for Germany is no longer a mere protest party. It’s tapping into widespread discontent and is surprisingly popular with young voters. Even more, it is reshaping the political future of Germany.

7 Lessons from Turkey’s Effort to Beat a Populist Autocrat

• Murat Somer
• Jennifer McCoy

What the opposition did and how Erdoğan managed to escape outright defeat.

How the World Stands Up to Putin

• Srdja Popovic
• Steve Parks

His military didn’t just fail. Ordinary Ukrainians, Russians, and people across the globe are creatively and nonviolently protesting Putin’s war on Ukraine, and they are making a difference.

Why Vladimir Kara-Murza Gave Up His Freedom

• Pedro Pizano

The Russian dissident journalist and activist knew if he returned to Russia he would be imprisoned or worse. But he was plagued by one question that compelled him to go.

The Viktor Orbán Show

• Sándor Ésik

Don’t let the Hungarian prime minister’s globe-trotting and grandstanding fool you. Behind the posturing and attempts to steal the spotlight is a strongman who feels his position slipping.

Why History Is Repeating Itself in Thailand

• Wichuta Teeratanabodee
• Jeffrey N. Wasserstrom

Thai politics appears to be in a loop, with the military keeping people’s democratic hopes under wraps. But there is reason to believe the streets won’t be quiet for long.

Kazakhstan Rules with Empty Words and an Iron Fist

• Paolo Sorbello

Thousands took to the streets to protest. While the regime promises to listen, its actions make clear: Dissent will not be tolerated.

The BJP Claimed This Financial Tool Would Clean Up Indian Politics. It Did the Opposite.

• Vipul Mudgal

“Electoral bonds” were supposed to make political contributions transparent. Instead they became a form of legalized corruption, funneling huge sums and making the political playing field even more uneven.

Can Mexico’s Next President Control the Military?

• Will Freeman

The country’s military brass has a larger role governing Mexico than at any time in the past eighty years. It’s creating a dangerous dependency that won’t be easy to break. Can the generals be reined in? 

Why Pakistan Always Seems on the Brink of Collapse

• Ahsan I. Butt

The military has spent decades trying to impose order on Pakistani politics. It has led to chaos.

Why Ukraine Is Starting to Lose

• Zoltan Barany

Putin doesn’t care how many of his troops die. He is looking to win a war of attrition. On the second anniversary of Russia’s invasion, Ukraine needs the West’s help—and it needs it now.

Burma Votes for Change: The Challenges Ahead

How Autocrats Weaponize AI — And How to Fight Back

• Albert Cevallos

Artificial Intelligence has become autocrats’ newest tool for surveilling, targeting, and crushing dissent. But this supercharged technology doesn’t need to favor tyrants. Activists must learn how to harness it in the fight for freedom.