The Future the Taliban Cannot Control
Five years of repressive Taliban rule has not extinguished Afghans’ determination to shape a freer future.
JoD Online
Why Political Polarization Is Rising, and How to Reverse It
Democratic politics depends on the messy, sometimes bitter competition of parties and ideas — opposition is how citizens hold power to account. But in democracies around the world, healthy rivalry is hardening into something more corrosive: the tendency to see political opponents as enemies, not rivals.
Why Political Violence Is Rising
Democratic government — ideally — provides channels for resolving conflict among competing groups and interests, defusing hostilities before they explode into physical violence. It has never worked perfectly.
How China Weaponizes Buddhism
China is an atheist state, so why does it promote Buddhism? That’s because the CCP thinks it can be a tool for political control. But the strategy actually exposes Beijing’s deepest fears.
How AI Agents Are Empowering Human-Rights Defenders
With news of a rogue AI jumping developers’ guardrails, authoritarian governments harnessing its power to ramp up repression, and companies laying off scores of workers, it might be tempting to dismiss the good this technology can do. That would be a mistake, according to Alex Gladstein.
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Readers come to the Journal of Democracy seeking a deeper understanding of what democracy is and how it works best, insights and analysis on the latest democratic developments around the world, and a lens through which to interpret events in their own backyard.
How Putin Erases Dissidents and Critics
Vladimir Putin has signed a new “civic death” law that targets Kremlin’s critics everywhere. The goal is to intimidate Russian citizens from speaking up about Putin’s crimes. The world’s democracies must counter this new repressive tool.
Why Anticorruption Campaigns Aren’t a Silver Bullet
Calling for accountability against corrupt officials is a powerful message for building a movement. But it can make it harder to encourage defections from your opponent’s camp. Here’s how to handle the dilemma.
How AI Agents Are Empowering Human-Rights Defenders
AI isn’t just a weapon for dictators and tyrants. It can also be a tool for liberty. Human-rights activists are learning how to harness its power and level the playing field for good.
Defending Democracy Must Begin in the Classroom
There are no heroes coming to save our democracy. If we are to mount a defense, it must begin with students learning the necessary skills in the classroom.
Dictators Are Buying into Western Media
It’s happening in plain sight—and no one’s even trying to hide it.
What Venezuela’s Twin Earthquakes Exposed
From state officials taking selfies amid the rubble to soldiers looting, Venezuela’s earthquake response reveals why corrupt authoritarian governments fail so badly when disasters strike.
Why Peruvians Distrust Their Democracy
Peruvians just narrowly elected Keiko Fujimori their next president. But the country’s political fragmentation combined with the manipulation of illiberal incumbents has left the majority of the country feeling unrepresented.
Democracy and America at 250
On the anniversary of America’s independence, it is a good moment to consider the state of this unprecedented experiment.
Stopping Zimbabwe’s Newest Power Grab
President Emmerson Mnangagwa wants to cling to power above all else, and he has launched a new effort to extend his reign. But, if they act fast, there is still time for Zimbabwe’s opposition and the international community to stop him.
A New American Grand Strategy for the 21st Century
With global democracy threatened by China, Russia, and their fellow autocrats, how can America help secure a democratic future? The world’s liberal democracies must pursue a strategy of “defensive liberalism” to defend the freedoms we value most.
Inside Turkey’s Democratic Crisis
Since winning Turkey’s 2023 national election, President Erdoğan and the ruling AK Party have seen their popularity plummet. In response, they’ve ramped up their repression of the main opposition party — most notably, jailing its presidential candidate, Istanbul mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu and removing party leader Özgür Özel.
Are Iranians Any Closer to Freedom?
The United States and Iran formally signed a 14-point memorandum of understanding on June 17. Under the terms, which include ending sanctions on Iran, releasing its frozen funds, and pledging not to interfere in each other’s internal affairs, both sides have agreed to a 60-day ceasefire to allow further negotiations toward a final peace deal.
How Mislabeling Jewish Extremism Undermines Israel’s Democracy
Extremist violence by Jewish Israelis in the West Bank is surging. But if you can’t articulate the threat you can’t combat it. Start with a basic principle: Name the ideology, not the demographic.
Why Mali Is at a Dangerous Crossroads
Mali’s spiraling security crisis puts its entire region at risk. A return to democracy will be key to preventing the country from becoming a terrorist safe haven in West Africa.