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.

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UkraineAlert

Jun 22, 2020

What could the prosecution of Petro Poroshenko mean for Ukrainian democracy?

By Peter Dickinson

Escalating efforts to prosecute former Ukrainian president Petro Poroshenko are sparking concerns over the country's continued commitment to democracy under new president Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Corruption Democratic Transitions

In the News

Jun 17, 2020

Borghard in the Council on Foreign Relations: Persistent vulnerabilities, strengthening cybersecurity requirements for the Department of Defense

By Atlantic Council

Erica argues for developing a comprehensive, enduring evaluation process for weapon systems to ensure the security and resilience of the capabilities that underpin U.S. deterrence and warfighting. More about our expert

Cybersecurity Political Reform

In the News

Jun 8, 2020

Hudson joins the Newsmakers to discuss the UN’s new peacebuilding mission in Sudan

By Atlantic Council

Africa Democratic Transitions

Inflection Points

Jun 7, 2020

Why U.S. global leadership rests on how it manages anti-racism upheavals

By Frederick Kempe

U.S. credibility as a global leader depends on how it manages anti-racism upheavals. Americans have a shot at proving Martin Luther King right that the long arc of the moral universe once again “bends toward justice.”

Inclusive Growth Political Reform

New Atlanticist

Jun 2, 2020

Costa Rica legalized same-sex marriage. Where does the rest of Latin America stand on marriage equality?

By Isabel Kennon

As Costa Rica becomes the first in Central America to take this step toward equality, it remains to be seen who will be next to turn the Inter-American Court on Human Rights’ opinion into action.

Civil Society Human Rights

New Atlanticist

Jun 1, 2020

The role of Russia and the Russian language in post-Karimov Uzbekistan

By Jennifer Murtazashvili

Hardening on language policy at the expense of the Russian language is a significant reversal from Karimov’s tacit encouragement of pluralism.

Central Asia Democratic Transitions

New Atlanticist

May 29, 2020

Trump has escalated his confrontation with China. Here’s what that means.

By David A. Wemer

During a news conference at the White House on May 29, US President Donald J. Trump rebuked China for its response to the coronavirus pandemic and alleged violation of Hong Kong’s sovereignty. The US president argued that China’s behavior has endangered US economic interests and national security.

China Coronavirus

UkraineAlert

May 28, 2020

Zelenskyy at home: One year of domestic reform?

By Adrian Hoefer

Since his election last year, President Zelenskyy and his government have pledged to transform and energize Ukraine’s economy. Those pledges have not been realized. Why, and what should the government do this year to live up to those promises?

Economy & Business Political Reform

In the News

May 22, 2020

Hudson quoted in the Middle East Eye on Sudan and the United States reaching a preliminary settlement over 1998 embassy bombings

By Atlantic Council

Africa Democratic Transitions

UkraineAlert

May 21, 2020

Ukraine’s novice president may yet live up to the hype

By Tetiana Popova

Ukraine's President Zelenskyy has struggled to match the sky high expectations that accompanied his historic 2019 election win, but he has done enough during his first year to suggest he may yet live up to the hype, says Tetiana Popova.

Crisis Management Democratic Transitions

Experts