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

Jan 15, 2026

Veterans can shape the future of Ukrainian democracy

By Vasyl Sehin

The participation of military veterans in Ukraine's political life has the potential to dramatically strengthen Ukrainian democracy and safeguard the country's historic transition from centuries of Russian autocracy, writes Vasyl Sehin.

Conflict Democratic Transitions

MENASource

Jan 13, 2026

Eight questions (and expert answers) on the SDF’s withdrawal from Syria’s Aleppo

By Atlantic Council experts

Our experts unpack why violence erupted, what it means for Kurdish safety and integration in Syria, and how Washington is engaging.

Civil Society Conflict

Dispatches

Jan 8, 2026

Delcy Rodríguez’s untenable balancing act

By Iria Puyosa

Venezuela’s new acting president must choose between accommodating the Trump administration’s demands and preserving unity among the regime’s Chavista base.

Conflict Democratic Transitions

Dispatches

Jan 5, 2026

Now comes the hard part: What Trump should do next to secure Venezuela’s democratic future

By Jason Marczak

The United States is now forced to depend on the remnants of the Maduro regime for the next stage in the mission.

Democratic Transitions Latin America

Fast Thinking

Jan 3, 2026

What to watch in a post-Maduro Venezuela

By Atlantic Council

President Donald Trump said the United States will now “run” Venezuela—but what will that mean in practice?

Democratic Transitions Latin America

Dispatches

Jan 3, 2026

Experts react: The US just captured Maduro. What’s next for Venezuela and the region?

By Atlantic Council experts

What does the future hold for Venezuela following the US raid that removed Nicolás Maduro from power? Atlantic Council experts share their insights.

Democratic Transitions Latin America

In the News

Jan 3, 2026

Charai for The National Interest: Peace Through Strength in Venezuela—and the World

By Atlantic Council

Americas Democratic Transitions

Issue Brief

Dec 18, 2025

Democracy, dealmaking, and stability: Rethinking US engagement in Africa

By Mason Ingram, Alysson Oakley, and Jack Higgins

The near- and long-term interests of African societies and key US stakeholders are bolstered by the advancement of democratic, accountable, and stable governance on the continent. A robust democracy assistance strategy in Africa is in line with long-standing US values that underpin America’s reputation and image on the continent, and is also instrumental to current US objectives. 

Africa Corruption

UkraineAlert

Dec 18, 2025

Prisoner releases are welcome news but talk of a Belarus thaw is premature

By Hanna Liubakova

The freeing of 123 political prisoners in Belarus last week is encouraging news but should not be interpreted as an indication of more fundamental change, writes Hanna Liubakova.

Belarus Conflict

Dispatches

Dec 17, 2025

What Trump’s Venezuela oil blockade means for Maduro and the world

By Atlantic Council experts

Atlantic Council experts react to news that the US military would soon impose a blockade of all sanctioned oil tankers going into or out of Venezuela.

Caribbean Democratic Transitions
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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

Fellow

Brian Mefford

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Eurasia Center

Ukraine Elections

Staff

Will Mortenson

Program Assistant

Freedom and Prosperity Center

Democratic Transitions Latin America
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