Rule of Law

Democracies function on the understanding that all citizens are equal under and subject to the law. Rule of law can often be one of the most difficult areas for countries transitioning to democracy, as the advantages afforded to elites under autocratic systems can be hard to dislodge.  When societies ensure that political leaders, business leaders, and social elites are not offered special judicial treatment, however, they are better equipped to promote equality, provide real chances of economic and social advancement, and attract foreign investment and economic activity.   

Content

Event Recap

Sep 21, 2018

Roundtable with Sir Suma Chakrabarti, President of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development

By Global Business & Economics Program

On September 21, 2018 Atlantic Council’s Global Business and Economics Center along with the Eurasia Center co-hosted a roundtable with Sir Suma Chakrabarti, President of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD).

Economy & Business Europe & Eurasia

Report

Sep 14, 2018

A strategy for Moldova

By Anders Åslund and Timothy Fairbank

The Republic of Moldova, a sliver of land bordering the European Union (EU) and NATO’s eastern edge, finds itself at a critical crossroads twenty-seven years after gaining independence from the Soviet Union.

Corruption Defense Policy

Report

Sep 7, 2018

Teaser: Kremlin Trojan Horses 3.0

By Henrik Sundbom

Sweden’s leadership in pushing European values in former Soviet republics, combined with the end of its neutrality, has placed the country in a values-based conflict of interest with Russia. Sweden faces a time of political turmoil. In recent years the migration crisis in Europe has come to dominate Swedish politics, with the debate growing more […]

Disinformation Elections

MENASource

Aug 28, 2018

Egypt leads the pack in internet censorship across the Middle East

By Elissa Miller

Internet censorship around the world, including in the Middle East, is not a new phenomenon. Freedom of expression facilitated by the internet can pose a threat to authoritarian leaders around the world who seek to maintain strict control over both the content their citizens consume and the content they post. A clear pattern of authoritarian […]

Internet Media

UkraineAlert

Aug 1, 2018

Even with ProZorro, we should expect the same old thing when it comes to privatization in Ukraine

By Paul Thomas

The Ukrainian government should be commended for its recent improvements to the privatization process but it must, after twenty-five years, finally adopt a privatization strategy that benefits the economy and not just the budget.

Economy & Business Fiscal and Structural Reform

MENASource

Jul 5, 2018

A hollow victory for Jordanian protesters

By Aaron Magid

A mere eight days after protests against an unpopular tax law rocked the Hashemite Kingdom, Jordanians shot fireworks celebrating the June 7 government announcement to withdraw the legislation. A strong supporter of the austerity measure, Prime Minister Hani al-Mulki submitted his resignation on June 4 following the demonstrators’ calls for his ouster. “And popular will […]

Middle East Rule of Law

MENASource

Jun 8, 2018

Jordan’s austerity protests in context

By Jillian Schwedler

The protests that have spread to every corner of Jordan since May 30 are the largest since 2011. Tens of thousands have taken to the street in opposition to proposed changes to the tax code and increased prices for fuel and electricity, beginning with a call from professional associations to their members but quickly spreading […]

Macroeconomics Middle East

MENASource

Jun 7, 2018

Factbox: Jordan’s austerity protests

By Rachel Rossi, Shruti Kumar, and Aisha Han

Jordan, a key Western ally and major recipient of US aid, has recently experienced its largest protests since 2012. The ongoing protests began in May as a direct response to the new tax bill backed by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), which increases tax brackets, widens the tax base, and penalizes tax evaders. The IMF […]

Macroeconomics Middle East

MENASource

Jun 6, 2018

Turkey’s election: Anything is possible

By Aaron Stein

After sixteen years in power, Turkey’s Justice and Development Party (AKP) is facing a serious challenge from an allied opposition in the run-up to the June 24 national election. In a first, Turkish voters will head to the polls that Sunday to vote on candidates for parliament and the presidency. The election is the first […]

Elections Rule of Law

MENASource

May 29, 2018

The truth about Iraq’s democracy

By Harith Hasan

Some commentators recently celebrated the Iraqi election as a sign that democracy is taking root in Iraq’s soil. This optimistic view is justified given the bleak situation of democratic transformation in the region. Authoritarianism in the Middle East persists as the common model of governing, even in countries that witnessed popular uprisings and demands for […]

Democratic Transitions Iraq

Experts