Political Reform

As societies around the world look to transition toward more democratic systems of governance, political reforms are often needed to improve decision-making processes, ensure fair representation of social groups, and increase transparency and accountability of government functions. Effective reforms can help make governments more effective, foster stability within societies, and unlock economic potential. Whether initiated by electorates or through the process of accession to multilateral political or economic pacts, political reform measures can be important stepping stones on the road to healthy democratic rule.

Content

In the News

Jun 22, 2023

Pavia joins i24NEWS to discuss President Kais Saied’s ongoing crackdown on key opposition figures.

By Atlantic Council

Civil Society Corruption

In the News

Jun 22, 2023

Pavia joins i24NEWS to discuss Europe’s approach towards Tunisia and the concerning democratic backsliding within the country.

By Atlantic Council

Corruption Democratic Transitions

UkraineAlert

Jun 19, 2023

Beyond the battlefield: Why we should invest in Ukraine’s democratic future

By Peter Erben, Gio Kobakhidze

Western military aid has helped Ukraine defend itself against Russia's full-scale invasion, but the West must also support Ukraine's efforts to consolidate the country's democracy, argue Peter Erben and Gio Kobakhidze.

Civil Society Conflict

In the News

Jun 13, 2023

Nawaz quoted in Nikkei Asia: Imran Khan takes on Pakistan’s powerful military establishment

By Atlantic Council

Democratic Transitions Elections

Issue Brief

Jun 6, 2023

How monarchies end

By Stephen Grand

Stephen R. Grand flips the analytical script on the spate of notable books covering “How Democracies Die.” Democracies can corrode and crumble, but so can autocracies. Why are there no books being published about how kings and queens, emperors and caliphs, cease to rule—either because their throne is transformed into a more ceremonial post or because they lose power entirely? For Arab monarchs, there are several apparent lessons to be learned.

Middle East Political Reform

New Atlanticist

May 17, 2023

Ecuador’s president just invoked ‘mutual death’ to avoid impeachment. Here’s why it matters.

By Atlantic Council experts

President Guillermo Lasso of Ecuador has used a rare constitutional mechanism to dissolve the National Assembly. Atlantic Council experts share their insights on what it means and what comes next.

Americas Elections

New Atlanticist

May 16, 2023

Chile’s right is in the driver’s seat for creating a new constitution. Can it succeed?

By Ignacia Ulloa Peters

Chileans just elected members to the council meeting soon to deliberate about a new constitution. Two-thirds of the seats went to center-right and far-right candidates, who now need to agree on a constitution Chileans will vote on in December.

Americas Elections

AfricaSource

Apr 12, 2023

<strong>As Sudan’s transition to democracy accelerates, reforming the security forces must be a top priority</strong>

By Benjamin Mossberg

The Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces must be governed by the rule of law and work to protect democracy and human rights in Sudan.

Africa Conflict

Report

Apr 12, 2023

Atlantic Council Commission on Defense Innovation Adoption interim report  

By Eric Lofgren*, Whitney M. McNamara, and Peter Modigliani

The DoD must accelerate defense innovation adoption from the leading edge of the private sector. This report has ten recommendations to do so.

China Defense Industry

New Atlanticist

Mar 29, 2023

How can Latin America halt its democratic backsliding? And how can the US help?

By Antonio Garrastazu and Casey Cagley

All aid either hinders or helps democratic development, and donors to Latin America should be intentional about aligning all forms of assistance to make sure they support countries’ democratic development.

Americas Central America

Experts

Events