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

UkraineAlert

Nov 5, 2020

Ukraine caught between constitutional crisis and counter-revolution

By Mattia Nelles

Ukraine finds itself caught between a constitutional crisis and a counter-revolution after the country's Constitutional Court canceled key anti-corruption reforms passed following the 2014 Revolution of Dignity.

Corruption Democratic Transitions

Interview

Nov 3, 2020

Interview with President Leonid Kravchuk

By John E. Herbst

On October 5, Ambassador John Herbst interviewed President Leonid Kravchuk, former president of Ukraine and head of the Ukrainian delegation to the Trilateral Contact Group (TCG).

Conflict English

UkraineAlert

Nov 1, 2020

Zelenskyy vows to thwart Kremlin counter-revolution

By Anders Åslund

A new ruling by Ukraine's Constitutional Court threatens to dismantle the entire anti-corruption framework established since 2014 and derail years of historic progress towards Euro-Atlantic integration.

Conflict Democratic Transitions

Elections 2020

Oct 30, 2020

Democracy at home is the source of American power abroad

By Peter Engelke, Julian Mueller-Kaler

The United States does have the power to both right its own ship and fully employ its example to good effect around the world, but only if its citizens stay engaged in the hard work of democratic self-governance.

Elections Political Reform

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Oct 28, 2020

Afghan First Lady Rula Ghani: Women’s rights cannot be ‘the cost of peace’

By David A. Wemer

The progress Afghan women have made in the years since the fall of the Taliban regime could be at risk, Ghani said, should the Taliban be given too much power as part of a peace settlement.

Afghanistan Civil Society

New Atlanticist

Oct 28, 2020

Hopes dim for reformed Kyrgyzstan as new president consolidates power

By Andrew D’Anieri

"Kyrgyzstan stands at a dangerous crossroads," Noah Tucker says, "with leadership in parliament and the executive now firmly held by an unelected leader."

Central Asia Corruption

Elections 2020

Oct 28, 2020

Five big questions as America votes: Latin America

By Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center

Given its proximity to the United States, an economically vibrant and healthy Latin America is in the interest of the next US administration. Now, more than ever, it is important for the United States to lean in on Latin America as a strategic partner and continue growing its existing economic, social, and political ties for mutual benefit.

Coronavirus Democratic Transitions

New Atlanticist

Oct 27, 2020

Georgia’s parliamentary elections are surrounded by uncertainty

By Nino Ghvinadze and Laura Linderman

Amidst a global pandemic and the sudden escalation of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict between neighboring Armenia and Azerbaijan, Georgia is holding its first parliamentary elections since hard-fought electoral reforms were approved in June 2020 and several dramatic developments have increased uncertainty about the outcome.

Coronavirus Democratic Transitions

Elections 2020

Oct 26, 2020

Five big questions as America votes: Eurasia

By Eurasia Center

Easy answers to the Eurasia region have long eluded both a Trump administration and Vice President Biden when he served in the Obama administration—will an electoral victory now give the next US president the momentum needed to manage these foreign policy challenges?

Belarus Conflict

New Atlanticist

Oct 23, 2020

Why Chile could be a canary in the coal mine for wealthy economies

By Daniel Payares-Montoya

While the new constitution could help jumpstart efforts to alleviate many of the inequalities in Chilean society, the struggle to get to this point should give caution to other countries that have left structural inequalities unaddressed.

Elections Inclusive Growth

Experts

Events