Category: Civil Resistance

Autocratic resurgence vs democratic renewal: 7-3 halftime score?

     

Liberal democracy is back to where it was in 1989, says the most recent report from the Varieties of Democracy Institute (V–Dem) – in other words, the massive gains in… Read more »

Hong Kong: ‘It’s Leninist authoritarianism vs liberal constitutionalism’

     

Since Beijing’s economic reforms began in 1978, Hong Kong has played a unique role — a place where western businesses could dip their toes in the new Chinese economy and… Read more »

Pro-democracy actors’ powerful message at a time of moral crisis

     

The picture for democracy and civil society was mixed across the European Neighbourhood in 2019, according to Jerzy Pomianowski, Executive Director of the European Endowment for Democracy (EED). Some of… Read more »

Iraqi freedom vs. Iranian domination – or failed state?

     

For more than a month, Iraq’s protesters have withstood bullets and stun grenades, tear gas and water cannons, as they chanted, danced and called for the ouster of the entire… Read more »

Defending civic space: A strategic imperative for the international community

     

Civic space—the fundamental liberties that allow people to gather, communicate, and collectively engage in groups to influence society and politics—is the bedrock of any democracy. But it is increasingly vulnerable,… Read more »

Explaining the global protest wave

     

Sixty-three people died over the weekend in a crackdown by security forces against ongoing anti-government protests [HT: CFR], according to the semi-official Iraq High Commission for Human Rights. Iraq is… Read more »

From ‘Responsibility to Protect’ to ‘Right to Assist’ Civil Resistance?

     

A “Right to Assist” could help prevent violent conflict and ease democratic transitions. But several important questions remain unanswered, argues Council on Foreign Relations analyst Stewart M. Patrick.  Despite the… Read more »