The False Romance of Russia: Competing in the Gray Zone
Russia has been aiming to destabilize both its “near abroad” — the former Soviet states except for the Baltics — and wider Europe through the use of ambiguous “gray zone”… Read more »
Category: Democratic institutions
Cybersecurity for civil society vs the ‘democratization of misinformation’
China and Russia are increasingly collaborating and engage in mutual learning when it comes to disinformation strategies, says analyst Jane Li. But the sentiment among China’s internet users is that… Read more »
How populism went mainstream
There is a specter haunting not just Europe, but the whole globe, quaking the boots of established political parties, legacy media outlets, and transnational institutions of government and civil society…. Read more »
Taiwan’s Destiny: Election at ‘center of a clash between two forces’
Taiwan’s top diplomat said that his government stands with Hong Kong citizens pushing for “freedom and democracy,” and would help those displaced from the semi-autonomous Chinese city if Beijing intervenes… Read more »
Algeria crackdown as election looms: Is a democratic transition possible?
Algeria‘s contentious presidential election campaign is highlighting the deep gulf between young people at the heart of a street protest movement and an ageing elite they see as clinging to… Read more »
Offsetting Sudan’s deep state: Unfolding transition offers promise – and substantial risk
Sudan’s unfolding transition offers both great promise and substantial risk, according to a new analysis. There is every reason to expect that entrenched interests that have benefited under the old… Read more »
Latin America’s protests: Temporary social agitation or a sign of troubled democracy?
Violent protests in Latin America have resulted in destroyed property, thousands of arrests and dozens of deaths. Observers, including scholars of the region, are surprised by the recent turmoil in… Read more »
As disinformation spreads, ‘microtargeting’ advertising tools may threaten democracy
As Facebook sought to recover from its disastrous 2016 election season, company officials debated ways to curb distortions and disinformation on the platform. One of the most potentially powerful… Read more »
China’s book-burning a sign of regime’s legitimacy crisis?
Library officials in northwestern China recently hoped to demonstrate their ideological fervor and loyalty to the Communist Party by purging politically incorrect books and religious materials in emphatic fashion: They… Read more »
What’s Next For Iraq?
How to support Iraq’s protesters while recognizing the limits to the government’s ability to handle these protesters’ demands? Washington Institute Senior Fellow Michael Knights asks. “We should not be afraid… Read more »