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

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

Memo to...

Feb 3, 2026

Memo to the president: Steps to secure a prosperous, US-aligned Venezuela

By Jason Marczak, Ambassador James Story, General (ret.) Laura J. Richardson, and Geoff Ramsey

One month after Nicolás Maduro’s removal from power, Washington has significant leverage it can use in the short term to boost the odds of a stable, democratic Venezuela emerging in the long term. To that end, our experts lay out the tough asks the US government should make of interim president Delcy Rodríguez.

Corruption Democratic Transitions

UkraineAlert

Jan 29, 2026

Ukraine changes tone on Belarus and engages exiled opposition

By Hanna Liubakova

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held his first official meeting with exiled Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya last weekend in the latest indication of a significant Ukrainian policy shift toward the country’s northern neighbor, writes Hanna Liubakova.

Belarus Conflict

MENASource

Jan 29, 2026

Why Syria’s government must turn inward in 2026

By Gregory Waters

Necessary domestic reforms include continued security reforms, economic development, and writing a new constitution.

Civil Society Democratic Transitions

MENASource

Jan 28, 2026

Syria’s Kurds could be al-Sharaa’s partners in rebuilding. Why did Damascus assault them instead?

By Amy Austin Holmes

The offensive on Kurdish neighborhoods was the third wave of sectarian violence after the targeting of Druze and Alawites.

Democratic Transitions Middle East
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Experts

Staff

Will Mortenson

Program Assistant

Freedom and Prosperity Center

Democratic Transitions Latin America

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
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