30th Anniversary Event: Democracy Embattled

In celebration of the Journal of Democracy‘s 30th anniversary issue, editors and contributors will gather on January 23 for reflections and discussion on authoritarianism and the global state of democracy.

January 23, 2020

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German Voters Trigger a Political Earthquake

• Michael Bröning

The far-right AfD surged ahead in the European Union elections. It is now one of Germany’s dominant parties, and not just part of the fringe.

Tunisia’s Transition and the Twin Tolerations

Putin Just Learned Why You Don’t Trust Mercenaries

• Zoltan Barany

The Russian autocrat forgot an age-old truth about working with common criminals and soldiers for hire.

4/23 Event: “The Authoritarian Resurgence”

"The Authoritarian Resurgence: China, Russia, Saudi Arabia, and Venezuela" panel discussion featuring JoD authors Javier Corrales, Andrew J. Nathan, Lilia Shevtsova, and Frederic Wehrey. (4/23, 12-2 pm, at NED)

April 14, 2015

“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.

India Remains More Democratic Than Not

• Lucan A. Way

For all the warning signs, India held the line after a decade of backsliding.

Do New Democracies Support Democracy? Reluctant India

How Maduro Survived

• Will Freeman

The Venezuelan dictator defied sanctions, international isolation, and massive protests. He appears to have a firmer footing than he’s had in years. Now what?

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Why Aspiring Autocrats Are Watching Serbia

• Filip Milačić

Aleksandar Vučić is tearing down what remains of Serbian democracy while the West remains silent. Serbia has become a test case for democratic resolve, and the region’s would-be strongmen are taking notice.

Inside Pakistan’s Deeply Flawed Election

• Ayesha Jalal

The country’s polls were marred by delayed results and charges of rigging. Worse, they might plunge Pakistan into an even deeper political crisis.

How Tragedy Sparked a Protest Movement

• John Chin

Serbs from all walks of life have had enough with their corrupt, inept, and increasingly authoritarian government. Will Serbia’s president be able to withstand the crisis?

After a Wave of Protests, China’s Silent Crackdown

• Sheena Chestnut Greitens

Nationwide protests against Xi Jinping’s zero-covid policy caught the Chinese Communist Party off-guard. Expect the Party’s security apparatus to strike back with quiet precision.

Breaking Out of Xi’s Great Prison

• Guoguong Wu

Chinese citizens from Urumqi to Shanghai took to the streets, blank sheets of white paper in hand, to denounce the CCP and call for change. Xi Jinping’s repression and zero-covid lockdowns has united the public in empathy and anger.

Gorbachev’s Enduring Legacy

• Lucan A. Way

The last Soviet leader brought down his regime and ended the Cold War. The free world owes him a debt of gratitude.

Why Putin Isn’t Forever

• Damon Wilson

The Kremlin’s political theater shouldn’t be mistaken for an election or symbol of stability. It’s a sign of Putin’s weakness and the country’s descent into a deeper tyranny.

The Legacy of a True Russian Patriot

• Lucian Kim

Alexei Navalny loved Russia and was willing to risk everything for it. It is hard to grasp the magnitude of his death for his people and his country.

Thailand’s Revolutionary Election

• Dan Slater

Thailand’s voters—especially its young people—have sent the country’s junta a message: They want change now. But will the military listen?