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Why He May Soon Be Remembered as “Putin the Weak”

• Michael McFaul

The Russian autocrat wanted to go down in history on par with Russia’s greatest leaders. He is increasingly looking like one of its weakest.

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.

A Dictator’s Day in Court

• Nate Grubman

Tunisia’s president is looking to strengthen his chokehold on the country.

Democracy’s Most Dangerous Assumptions

• Daniel Fried

It is tempting to believe the horrors of the past will not haunt our future. Vladimir Putin is proving that we hold such beliefs at our peril.

The Rebirth of the Liberal World Order?

• Lucan A. Way

The Russian invasion of Ukraine has given the world’s democrats a renewed sense of unity and purpose. Putin’s reckless gamble may unexpectedly strengthen democracy in Europe and beyond.

Cracks in Sisi’s Façade

• Waleed Shawky

Egypt’s upcoming presidential elections are a sham. But the opposition can still take advantage of this moment to push for genuine reforms that the country desperately needs.

Why Ukraine Is Critical to Rebuilding Our Democratic Consensus

• Marc F. Plattner

The case for liberal democracy remains powerful. It may get its biggest boost in the near term from success on the battlefields of Ukraine.

How Thai Activists Outsmarted the Generals

• Srdja Popovic
• Steve Parks

The regime tilted the playing field to its advantage, but it didn’t matter. Thailand’s opposition won with creativity, shrewd tactics, and a strategy that united the people.

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.

Ukraine Belongs in the EU

• Oxana Shevel
• Maria Popova

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

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.

Why the Defenders of Liberal Democracy Need to Stand Up

• Ghia Nodia

If liberal norms and institutions are to prevail, they need to be defended from the left and the right.

Ecuador’s Democratic Breakdown

• Will Freeman

The small Latin American country was a brief democratic bright spot. But it appears to have fallen victim to a clash between populists and anti-populists, without a democrat in sight.

How to Dismantle an Illiberal Democracy

• Jarosław Kuisz
• Karolina Wigura

There is no clear roadmap. But Poland may be setting out on its first steps in stamping out populism and holding accountable those responsible for the worst violations of the rule of law. 

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.

Why Putin Must Be Defeated

• Andrei Kozyrev

The more determined democracies are to avoid war, the greater the risk that autocracies will wage it.

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The Transformation of the Arab World

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