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

Inflection Points

Jul 12, 2020

Germany and Merkel have a shot at making both European and transatlantic history

By Frederick Kempe

History rarely provides major countries and their leaders the enormity of the second chance that Germany and Chancellor Angela Merkel now enjoy as they begin their six-month European Union presidency.

China European Union

New Atlanticist

Jul 2, 2020

Hezbollah takes control of Lebanon’s judiciary in assault on rule of law

By Michael D. Barbero

Lebanon is a nation in crisis. Just as Hezbollah is the main cause of the current economic crisis, Hezbollah, through its FPM allies, is also the impetus for the assault on the rule of law. The Hezbollahization of Lebanon must be reversed. Reforming one broken sector in Lebanon without restoring the rule of law—the most foundational pillar of Lebanese society—will play into Hezbollah’s hands, continue the misery of the Lebanese people, and ensure Lebanon’s inevitable failure.

Civil Society Corruption

UkraineAlert

Jul 1, 2020

Ukraine’s central bank chief resigns leaving Zelenskyy’s reform credentials in tatters

By Anders Åslund

Ukraine’s reform agenda suffered a serious blow on July 1 when Yakiv Smolii, the highly respected governor of the National Bank of Ukraine (NBU), resigned due to what he called “systematic political pressure.”

Financial Regulation Macroeconomics

UkraineAlert

Jun 30, 2020

Ukraine’s powerful Interior Minister Avakov under fire over police reform failures

By Liliane Bivings

Ukraine's post-2014 police reforms were initially hailed as a success but have since unraveled alarmingly. Many now blame powerful Interior Minister Arsen Avakov for blocking genuine law enforcement reform.

Political Reform Rule of Law

Report

Jun 29, 2020

Ukrainian business leaders advocated better economic policy and rule of law: A report card

By Anders Åslund

During his presidency, President Zelenskyy promised to bring major reform to Ukraine. One year on, what reforms have been achieved, and what obstacles remain for Ukraine?

Corruption Democratic Transitions

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

Experts

Events