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The Man Who Dared to Change the World

• Lilia Shevtsova

Mikhail Gorbachev risked everything. Neither Russia nor the West could live up to his vision.

Is Iran on the Verge of Another Revolution?

There have been numerous waves of protest against the country’s corrupt theocracy. This time is different. It is a movement to reclaim life. Whatever happens, there is no going back. | Asef Bayat

Tracking the “Arab Spring”: Egypt’s Failed Transition

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.

Where Conspiracy Theories Come From

• Scott Radnitz

There is nothing inherently menacing or antidemocratic about conspiracy theories. They can even be a source of amusement. The trouble comes when political elites weaponize them to invite violence.

How to Negotiate with Putin

• Robert Person

It’s impossible to make peace with someone who doesn’t want it. But if there is any chance of stopping the killing in Ukraine, this is the path forward.

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Maduro Can Only Rule Through Fear and Terror

• Paola Bautista de Alemán

The Venezuelan strongman lost the election and everyone knows it. He has nothing left to offer but violence and repression. It will be his undoing.

The April 2023 Issue

Our just-released April issue, featuring “The Putin Myth” by Kathryn Stoner, is free through May 15.

The JoD’s 10 Most-Read Essays

The Journal of Democracy strives to keep you up to date on the latest developments in global democracy and autocracy. Here are our ten most-read essays over the past month.

“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.

Maduro Rules Through Repression

• William J. Dobson

The strongman lost in a landslide, and the Venezuelan people are paying the price.

Defeating Putin in Ukraine Is Vital to the Future of Democracy

• David J. Kramer

Why we must tackle the threat posed by Putin and his authoritarianism head on.

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.

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.

A Global Turning Point for Democracy? A Celebration of Larry Diamond

Journal coeditors Will Dobson and Tarek Masoud joined former coeditor Larry Diamond for a conversation on the future of democracy. At the event, Diamond was awarded NED’s Democracy Service Medal.

May 18, 2022

Why Burma’s Democratic Forces Are Winning

• Damon Wilson

Burma’s democratic resistance has made impressive gains against the country’s corrupt junta. But they need help from the world’s democracies if they are to succeed and create an enduring peace.

Why Does the Kremlin Bother Holding Sham Elections?

• Margarita Zavadskaya

Everyone knows that Russia’s election is a fraud. The problem is no dictator ever feels safe enough, and Putin thinks even a fake election will signal to his cronies that he’s still in charge.

Putin’s Other Failed War

• Roman Badanin

The Russian leader declared war on his country’s independent journalists. But Russian media outsmarted him by taking their operations overseas. They are now reaching more people than ever before.

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?