‘Democracy is not a spectator sport’ – George P. Shultz, 1920-2021
‘Democracy is not a spectator sport’ was a phrase that George Shultz (above) proudly wore on his favorite tie, and a message that we need desperately to remember in our… Read more »
How to reconcile democracy promotion and cooperation with rivals?
Mature democracies must shun the temptation to glorify an individual political personality and make sure that the rule of law prevails over partisan interests, Pope Francis said on Monday. Without naming… Read more »
China has edge in geopolitical struggle over Myanmar
Myanmar’s coup d’état has thrust China back into the uncomfortable position it held for years with Myanmar: as the principal defender of a military dictatorship facing an international firestorm… Read more »
Making Hong Kong China: Human rights and rule of law rolled back
New educational guidelines lay out how schools should approach issues such as the controversial national security law Beijing imposed on Hong Kong last year. Among other topics, students as young… Read more »
US concerned at jailing of Pakistan activist’s father
The United States voiced concern on Thursday after a prominent activist said her ailing father had been thrown back into prison in what she saw as retribution for her outspokenness. Gulalai… Read more »
How to renovate global democracy support
In the face of a long-term democratic recession and a pandemic-fueled spike in authoritarian practices, the international democracy support community needs renewed energy, ideas, and leadership, according to a new… Read more »
Re-engagement means ‘rebuilding the muscles of democratic alliances’
President Biden, faced with a range of early foreign policy challenges, was expected to outline his vision for an expansion of multilateral engagement with the world and an emphasis on human… Read more »
‘More mice than Mussolinis’: Year of elections to test Latin America’s democracies
When Ecuadoreans choose a new president and legislature on February 7th, they will begin a busy political year across Latin America. Chile, Haiti, Honduras, Peru and Nicaragua are due… Read more »
‘A World Safe for the Party’? CGTN ban a major blow to China’s sharp power
Britain’s media regulator on Thursday revoked a Chinese TV licence after it concluded that the Chinese Communist Party had ultimate editorial responsibility for the channel while Beijing lodged an official… Read more »
Russia, Belarus protests ‘more than just solidarity’
There is growing concern that Russian President Vladimir Putin may attempt to spur another crisis abroad (perhaps over Belarus) as a way to distract from the mounting political pressure at… Read more »