Democratic Transitions

The number of democracies has increased from around a dozen during the Second World War to nearly 100 today. Societies are presented with unique political, social, and economic challenges as they attempt to transform the institutions, policies, and norms of authoritarian governance into an open and democratic system.

Content

Dispatches

Mar 27, 2026

What does Bangladesh’s new government need to do to revitalize democracy?

By Will Mortenson

The new leadership in Bangladesh should focus on both short-term economic development and forward-looking constitutional reforms.

Bangladesh Democratic Transitions

MENASource

Mar 24, 2026

The real roadblock to government formation in Iraq isn’t Maliki—it’s Kurdish power politics

By Omar Al-Nidawi

A dispute between Kurdish factions presents a significant structural obstacle to Iraq’s government formation regardless of who is nominated for prime minister.

Democratic Transitions Elections

Dispatches

Mar 24, 2026

Will Trump focus on Nicaragua next after Venezuela and Cuba?

By María Fernanda Bozmoski

If it wants to help foster a more economically integrated Central America, the United States will need to address Nicaragua’s authoritarianism and transnational repression.

Central America Democratic Transitions

Dispatches

Mar 12, 2026

To succeed, Trump’s Shield of the Americas should focus on institutions as well as cartels

By Henrique Arevalo Poincot

The strongest defense is a hemisphere where institutions are resilient enough to resist and dismantle criminal networks.

Americas Central America

MENASource

Mar 3, 2026

Trump wants Iranians to ‘take back their country’ from the regime. Can they?

By Alan Pino

To succeed in overthrowing the Iranian regime, an uprising would likely require a unifying leader, an effective organization, and the support of whatever remains of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

Conflict Democratic Transitions

In the News

Mar 1, 2026

Charai for The Jerusalem Post: After the strikes: Planning for Iran’s ‘day after’

By Atlantic Council

Democratic Transitions Iran

Dispatches

Feb 25, 2026

Will Nepal’s long-standing nonalignment survive the first election after its Gen Z uprising?

By Rudabeh Shahid

The country’s March 5 election might result in a government that could challenge Nepal’s hedging approach toward India, China, and the West.

Democratic Transitions Politics & Diplomacy

Freedom and Prosperity Around the World

Feb 20, 2026

Tunisia needs both bread and freedom

By Ameni Mehrez

Tunisia was one of the Arab Spring's success stories, with dramatic increases in political freedom after the 2011 uprising. Fifteen years on, the country's experience shows how intertwined freedom and prosperity are. With economic opportunity not matching the increases in political voice, frustration and unrest has followed.

Democratic Transitions Fiscal and Structural Reform

In the News

Feb 15, 2026

Ahmed Charai for The Jerusalem Strategic Tribune: Iran at the Edge: Pressure, Transition, and the Responsibility of Clarity

By Atlantic Council

Democratic Transitions Iran

UkraineAlert

Feb 5, 2026

Ukrainian democracy is proving its resilience in wartime conditions

By Oleksiy Goncharenko

Since the onset of Russia's full-scale invasion four years ago, Ukrainians have accepted the necessity of wartime measures to concentrate power while remaining committed to safeguarding the country's hard-won democratic gains, writes Oleksiy Goncharenko.

Civil Society Conflict
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Experts

Fellow

Gorana Grgić

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security Transatlantic Security Initiative

Croatian Democratic Transitions

Fellow

Danuta Hübner

Distinguished Fellow

Europe Center

Democratic Transitions Economy & Business

Fellow

Adrian Karatnycky

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Eurasia Center

Ukraine Democratic Transitions

Fellow

Hanna Liubakova

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Eurasia Center

Belarus Civil Society

Staff

Jason Marczak

Vice President and Senior Director

Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center

Americas Argentina

Fellow

Brian Mefford

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Eurasia Center

Ukraine Elections
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