Content

New Atlanticist

Aug 26, 2025

Lukashenka’s succession game: Promises, power, and the illusion of an exit

By Katsiaryna Shmatsina

The Belarusian autocrat recently suggested that this might be his final term in office. Could it be true? And who might take his place?

Belarus Democratic Transitions

New Atlanticist

Aug 13, 2025

What Bangladesh has achieved in the year since its revolution

By M. Osman Siddique and Jon Danilowicz

A year ago, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina fled Bangladesh. Amid many changes since then, the country continues to work its way forward.

Bangladesh Democratic Transitions

UkraineAlert

Aug 5, 2025

Digital democracy is the key to staging wartime elections in Ukraine

By Brian Mefford

With no end in sight to Russia's invasion, Ukraine cannot afford to postpone all elections indefinitely. With this in mind, it is time to start the process of digitalizing Ukraine’s democracy, writes Brian Mefford.

Civil Society Democratic Transitions

New Atlanticist

Aug 5, 2025

Poland’s new president could become a major European ally for Trump

By Marek Magierowski

Conservative Karol Nawrocki, who takes over as Poland's president on August 6, may help convince the US president of the danger posed by Russia.

Elections Poland

New Atlanticist

Aug 4, 2025

Bangladesh’s revolution is at a crossroads. Open elections are the best way forward.

By Wahiduzzaman Noor

The promising uprising last year now risks becoming a system in which power, not principles, determines who gets to participate in democracy.

Bangladesh Elections

UkraineAlert

Jul 24, 2025

Wartime protests prove Ukraine’s democratic instincts are still strong

By Peter Dickinson

This week’s nationwide protests are a reminder that Ukraine’s grassroots democratic instincts remain exceptionally strong despite the current wartime conditions in the country, writes Peter Dickinson.

Civil Society Conflict

New Atlanticist

Jul 10, 2025

Populist gains are threatening Europe’s strategic coherence. Here’s how the EU can fight back.

By Sona Muzikarova

Far-right populist gains across Europe risk hindering the military buildup necessary to deter mounting security threats to the continent.

Central Europe Civil Society

MENASource

Jul 3, 2025

How the war in Gaza diminished dreams of political reform in Egypt

By Amr Salah Mohamed

Egypt's national debate has shifted from reform to national security with just weeks ahead of parliamentary elections.

Elections Middle East

Report

Jun 23, 2025

2025 Freedom and Prosperity Indexes: How political freedom drives growth

By Ignacio Campomanes, Nina Dannaoui-Johnson, Annie (Yu-Lin) Lee, Joseph Lemoine

As the Freedom and Prosperity Indexes show political freedom declining worldwide for the twelfth straight year, new data analysis shows its importance for lasting prosperity: Though authoritarians promise economic rewards, democratizing countries gain an 8.8 percent GDP per capita boost over twenty years than their autocratic peers. With democracy on the ropes, what else can the Indexes tell us?

China Civil Society

UkraineAlert

Jun 19, 2025

Addressing Georgia’s slide away from European integration

By Matteo Mecacci

Officials in Brussels and Tbilisi must act to rebuild trust and address the deteriorating relationship between Georgia and the European Union, writes Matteo Mecacci.

Conflict Democratic Transitions

Experts

Events