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

New Atlanticist

Dec 3, 2020

A budget roils a nation. What’s happening in Guatemala?

By María Fernanda Bozmoski

The Guatemalan Congress went up in smoke, literally, on November 21, when massive protests broke out against a draft budget that was negotiated behind closed doors, with limited input from civil society, and that proposed cuts in funding for COVID-19 and human rights agencies as the country battles the virus, unemployment, and corruption.

Central America Coronavirus

UkraineAlert

Dec 1, 2020

It’s time to start treating Ukraine’s corrupt judiciary as a criminal syndicate

By Mykhailo Zhernakov

Ukraine's justice system currently operates as a criminal syndicate and requires a complete overhaul if the country is to have any hope of achieving fundamental reform, argues Mykhailo Zhernakov.

Corruption Political Reform

Future of DHS

Nov 24, 2020

Six former and acting secretaries of Homeland Security sign open letter on consolidating Congressional oversight of DHS

By Atlantic Council

On November 4, six former and acting secretaries of Homeland Security signed an open letter to Congressional leadership calling for action to consolidate and strengthen oversight of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) prior to the convening of the 117th Congress.

China Coronavirus

In the News

Nov 19, 2020

Varshney joins Tata Literature Live to discuss Big Bosses: The future of democracy in the age of strongmen

By Atlantic Council

Americas Europe & Eurasia

UkraineAlert

Nov 19, 2020

Taming Ukraine’s oligarchs

By Serhiy Verlanov

Serhiy Verlanov argues that until Ukraine has the political will to take on the country's all-powerful oligarchs, there is little chance of realizing the potential that has remained untapped since 1991.

Corruption Democratic Transitions

In the News

Nov 12, 2020

Current and former House Homeland Security Committee Chairs join Future of DHS Project Senior Advisory Board of former and acting DHS Secretaries in call for DHS oversight reform

By Atlantic Council

On November 12, House Committee on Homeland Security current and former Chairs sent a bipartisan letter to House leadership urging them to support the expansion of the committee's jurisdiction to ensure necessary oversight of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). This action follows a similar letter signed by the Future of DHS Project Senior Advisory Board made up of six former and acting Secretaries of Homeland Security.

Defense Policy National Security

New Atlanticist

Nov 12, 2020

Where is the US still leading on democracy? Look beyond the government.

By Borzou Daragahi

More important than US government pronouncements are the scores of American organizations doing on-the-ground work to build up transparency and good governance around the world—entities and initiatives that a new US administration could champion and make central to America’s retooled role in the world.

Democratic Transitions Elections

New Atlanticist

Nov 10, 2020

¡Basta Ya! How pandemic-related corruption calls for a new social contract in Panama

By Cristina Guevara

In order for Panama to emerge from the pandemic with inclusive and sustainable growth, the country needs a new social contract that combats corruption and provides equal opportunities for everyone.

Corruption Latin America

New Atlanticist

Nov 10, 2020

Eastern Europe’s pivotal run-off: Moldovans go to the polls again

By Andrew D’Anieri

While many are already looking to the January run-off elections in the US state of Georgia, another run-off looms in Eastern Europe. The Republic of Moldova is in the midst of a tightly contested presidential election colored by a frustrated electorate, foreign influence in its politics and economy, and rampant misinformation on social media.

Corruption Democratic Transitions

New Atlanticist

Nov 5, 2020

Bolivia emerges from its electoral turbulence

By Gabriella Cova

As Arce prepares to begin his term on November 8, he must consider Bolivia’s priorities and relationships in the region in order to secure prosperity for the nation and a continued commitment to upholding democracy.

Elections Latin America
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Experts

Fellow

Kelley E. Currie

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Freedom and Prosperity Center Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

Human Rights Indo-Pacific

Staff

Andrew D’Anieri

Associate Director

Eurasia Center

Ukraine Political Reform

Fellow

Jose Echeverría

Nonresident Fellow

Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center Millennium Leadership Program

Civil Society Latin America

Fellow

Nizar El Fakih

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Corruption Human Rights

Fellow

Valeska Esch

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Europe Center

European Union Germany

Fellow

Andrew G. Farrand

Nonresident Senior Fellow, North Africa Program

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Civil Society
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Events

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