Brent Scowcroft Center Nonresident Senior Fellow Maria Stephan co-writes for the New York Times on the need for international support for civil societies and good governance:
This month millions of Afghans waited in long lines to vote for a new president and provincial councils despite bad weather and threats of violence by the Taliban. It was a testament to the bravery of the Afghan people and their hopes for a better future. From Tunisia to the Philippines, Serbia to Peru, people have stared down the threat of persecution and have found the courage to make their voices heard and challenge repressive authorities with nonviolent resistance. This type of popular nonviolent organizing often ushers in more durable democracies that are less likely to regress into civil war than transitions driven by violent means.