Democracy & Rule of Law
Democratic Backsliding & Solutions
157 Articles

For Sudan’s Democratic Imperative, the US and Others Must Intensify Support
How to curb the coup leaders and decisively support the people showing nonviolent dedication to freedom and democracy.

Sudan’s Constitutional Crisis: Dissecting the Coup Declaration
Suspending certain articles while retaining parts of the transitional deal cloaks a unilateral power-grab as merely a course correction.

Sudanese Send Clear `No’ to Military Coup. What Will Security Forces Do Next?
After mass nonviolent protests, look out for arrests of opponents, prison releases of Islamists, and actions by a key paramilitary unit.

How Many (More) Sudanese Have to Die for Democracy?
Mass protests planned for Saturday will be a test of wills. It is safe to bet on the Sudanese people to brave the threat of escalated violence. The question is whether political…

ASEAN Has Failed on Myanmar. What’s Next?
ASEAN excluded the Myanmar junta from its summit this week - but remains reluctant to condemn the coup or provide robust help to the people of Myanmar. How should the rest of the…

After the Coup in Sudan: Key (Short-Term) Indicators for Democratic Survival
Key indicators to measure the prospect for democracy to survive the current crisis — from scale of street protests to army's withstanding defections to specific words chosen…

The Last Days in Afghanistan Should Not Deter Biden from Looking Beyond the 9/11 Paradigm
It's time to get off this loop. But ending “endless wars” should not be equated with simplistic solutions.

Beyond the Coup in Myanmar: The Tatmadaw Must Be Hit Where it Hurts – Its Wallet
It's time for the the world to cut off Myanmar junta's access to international markets, writes Chris Sidoti.

Beyond the Coup in Myanmar: Don’t Let the Light of Education Be Extinguished
Educational reforms in Myanmar were derailed first by COVID, then by the coup. A local teacher explains the consequences, and how the international community can support education…

Beyond the Coup in Myanmar: The Views of Rohingya Refugees in Bangladesh
The coup seemed to dash Rohingya refugee hopes of return to Myanmar. But some feel cautious hope at newfound cross-ethnic solidarity.

Beyond the Coup in Myanmar: The Emerging New Politics of Gen Z
The atrocities committed by Tatmadaw soldiers have changed not only Myanmar’s political landscape but fundamentally transformed its political psyche.

Beyond the Coup: Can the United Nations Escape Its History in Myanmar?
After decades of awkward and all-around frustrating engagement, the U.N. needs to step forward with a more flexible and conscious approach that shows it has learned from past mistakes.