Democratic Transitions

Assumption #4: The United States should prioritize the promotion of democracy around the world over other key US objectives

By Mathew Burrows, Evan Cooper

Policymakers should take a triage approach with regard to democracy promotion, starting first and foremost with the state of democracy at home.

Democracy in Latin America is under threat. These two summits are a chance to fix it.

By Eguiar Lizundia and Antonio Garrastazu

As nations across the Americas come together to address their shared shortcomings, here's a roadmap to help bolster their democratic institutions.

Independent Ukraine’s free speech gains are under threat

By Kira Rudik

Allegations of state pressure on media have left many questioning President Zelenskyy's commitment to maintaining independent Ukraine's hard-fought free speech gains.

Belarus, Ukraine, and Vladimir Putin’s expanding imperial agenda

By Brian Whitmore

It would be a mistake to view the 16-month-old political crisis in Belarus and Russia's brinkmanship on the Ukrainian border as separate affairs. They are both part and parcel of Putin's post-Soviet imperial agenda.

An Atlantic Council tribute to Fred Hiatt, champion of democracy

Atlantic Council experts honor the longtime Washington Post journalist and his legacy.

Russian threat should revive Ukraine’s stalled domestic reform efforts

By Denis MacShane

The threat of a major escalation in Russian aggression should help revive Ukraine's stalled domestic reform efforts and push the country towards the transformation that Ukrainians have been demanding for decades.

The world must carefully engage with Afghanistan. Here’s how.

By Harris A. Samad

Ignoring Afghanistan would be a catastrophic mistake for the international community—as would be a rush to recognize the Taliban.