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Fighting for Democracy Is a Crime in Hong Kong

• Michael C. Davis

A Hong Kong court just handed out heavy sentences to 45 democracy activists. The pro-Beijing government is taking a hard line against anyone who would challenge it.

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.

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.

Ukraine Belongs in the EU

• Oxana Shevel
• Maria Popova

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

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.

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.

Why NATO Is More Than Democracy’s Best Defense

• Robert Person
• Michael McFaul

On its 75th anniversary, the Atlantic Alliance should be celebrated for being more than the world’s greatest military compact. It’s an engine of democracy’s advance. 

Why the European Elections Will Test Democracy

• Richard Youngs

The danger is greater than the rise of far-right parties. In fact, there is a risk that in their eagerness to contain the far right, European leaders may do greater damage to democracy itself.

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.

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 Austria’s Far Right Is Rising

• Filip Milačić

Herbert Kickl and his far-right allies have never hidden their contempt for democratic norms, and they are rising in the polls. But those who want to preserve Austria’s democracy may have one last chance.

Why Ghana’s Election Matters Across Africa

• John Chin

The West African democracy is one of the continent’s most enduring, but it shouldn’t be taken for granted. It’s a bulwark for democracy beyond its borders.

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 Philippine Politics Resembles a Modern-Day Telenovela

• Cecilia Lero

Want to distract the public? Little works better than family feuds ripped from soap opera plotlines. That’s how the Marcos and Duterte clans keep people glued to the drama while crowding out democratic reform.

Global Freedom Is in Decline, But What About Democracy?

• Yana Gorokhovskaia

Democracy is more resilient than many people realize, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t worrying signs on the horizon.

“Facing Up to the Democratic Recession”

Is Democracy in Decline?

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.

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.

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.