Rule of Law

Germany has sentenced a Syrian colonel to life for crimes against humanity. Will others face the same fate?

By Gissou Nia, Jomana Qaddour, Reem Salahi

Now that Anwar Raslan is behind bars, activists are hoping his conviction paves the way for other bad actors of the Syrian regime to be prosecuted.

State of the Order: Assessing December 2021

The State of the Order breaks down the month's most important events impacting the democratic world order.

Belarus dictator prepares to extend reign via farcical referendum

By Hanna Liubakova

A Belarusian referendum on constitutional changes in early 2022 looks set to prolong the country's deep political crisis and strengthen Kremlin-backed dictator Alyaksandr Lukashenka’s grip on power.

Infographic: What’s ahead for Venezuela after January 5, 2022

Three years since the interim government came to be, Venezuela’s political crisis remains unresolved. Opposition forces continue to face deep challenges – both internal and external – to restore democratic institutions. The Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center at the Atlantic Council created an infographic that looks back at the interim government’s trajectory since 2019 and […]

Venezuela’s youth have a long-term strategy for building democracy. Biden should listen.

By Willow Fortunoff

An entire generation of Venezuelans have grown up in a failed state, which is why they'll be crucial to the future of the country’s democracy.

After the insurrection: How domestic extremists adapted and evolved after the January 6 US Capitol attack

By Jared Holt

This report by the Digital Forensic Research Lab (DFRLab) provides an overview and analysis of the shifts observed in domestic extremist movements since the 2021 Capitol attack.

Ukraine enters holiday season with anti-corruption reforms in danger

By Tetiana Shevchuk

As Ukrainians prepare for the festive holiday season, the country’s anti-corruption reforms are in grave danger after a designated selection panel refused to approve the appointment of the country’s chief anti-corruption prosecutor.

Documentary captures dramatic fight for democracy in Belarus

By Diane Francis

Powerful documentary film “Courage” aptly portrays the ongoing tragedy of Belarus and the recent attempt by its people to overthrow their repressive dictatorship and embrace a more democratic form of government.