Democratic Transitions

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

UkraineAlert

Sep 15, 2026

With Putin overextended in Ukraine, Armenia is turning away from Russia

By Joseph Epstein

Every day Ukraine keeps fighting, Russian influence grows weaker in the countries of the ex-USSR that Moscow refers to as the “near abroad.” Nowhere is this Russian retreat clearer than in Armenia, writes Joseph Epstein.

Conflict Democratic Transitions

Dispatches

Sep 15, 2026

Democracy is losing ground. The economic case for it is not.

By Will Mortenson

While overall democracy has deteriorated globally in recent years, countries that democratize still see greater economic growth and prosperity over time.

Democratic Transitions Resilience & Society

UkraineAlert

Sep 1, 2026

Europe should already start planning for a post-Lukashenka Belarus

By Viktar Baranau

There is nothing about today’s Belarus that suggests a country on the verge of change. Nevertheless, European policymakers would be well-advised to begin preparing for a post-Lukashenka Belarus now, in order to have a plan in place when the moment of transition arrives, writes Viktar Baranau.

Belarus Conflict

Dispatches

Aug 27, 2026

Is the Bangladesh–India relationship headed for a reset or a relapse?

By Ali Riaz

Sheikh Hasina's political activity from exile in India is straining India-Bangladesh relations and threatening to upend a fragile reset.

Bangladesh Corruption

UkraineAlert

Jul 28, 2026

Wartime Ukraine’s people power protests are Putin’s worst nightmare

By Peter Dickinson

Ukrainians have taken to the streets in recent weeks to protest the dismissal of Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov. The protests are a reminder of the vibrant democratic culture that provoked Putin's invasion, writes Peter Dickinson.

Civil Society Conflict

MENASource

Jul 27, 2026

Syria’s new parliament can build institutions and trust

By Nanar Hawach

The People's Assembly is not designed to check the presidency’s power, but it could help democratize the new political order.

Democratic Transitions Politics & Diplomacy

Dispatches

Jul 23, 2026

How the US should respond to Ortega declaring no more elections in Nicaragua

By Juan Sebastian Chamorro and Maria Fernanda Bozmoski

The dictator is wagering that the Nicaraguan opposition will fragment and Washington will respond with words but no new actions.

Americas Central America

Dispatches

Jul 22, 2026

Upcoming Venezuela negotiations are an opportunity for the US to lock in a victory

By Jason Marczak, Geoff Ramsey

As Venezuela’s interim government and opposition representatives prepare for talks, the Trump administration can help to steer the course.

Democratic Transitions Latin America

UkraineAlert

Jul 21, 2026

Civilian control over the armed forces is crucial for Ukraine’s future

By Olena Tregub

A political crisis erupted in wartime Ukraine last week over the dismissal of Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov following a power struggle with Ukrainian army Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi, writes Olena Tregub.

Civil Society Conflict

Issue Brief

Jun 15, 2026

Updating the Democratic Transition Framework to chart a way forward in Venezuela

By Geoff Ramsey

To seize the opportunity for a democratic transition in Venezuela in the wake of Nicolás Maduro's January capture, the United States should update a power-sharing framework proposed in 2020 to serve as a road map for the restoration of Venezuela’s democratic institutions.

Americas Democratic Transitions
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Experts

Advisory Council member

<strong>Erika Mouynes</strong>

Former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Republic of Panama

Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center

Central America Democratic Transitions

Fellow

Cameron Munter

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Europe Center South Asia Center

National Security Conflict

Staff

Gissou Nia

Director, Strategic Litigation Project

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Civil Society Corruption

Fellow

Parker Novak

Nonresident Fellow

Indo-Pacific Security Initiative Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

Australia Democratic Transitions

Staff

Victoria Olari

Research Associate, Moldova

Digital Forensic Research Lab

Democratic Transitions Disinformation

Fellow

Patrick Quirk

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Freedom and Prosperity Center GeoStrategy Initiative

Civil Society Conflict
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