Elections

Several people wearing various colors of t-shirts, including bright orange or black, stand with signs at the base of tall columns, the photo shot from below, with banners between the columns behind them reading "Jimmy Kimmel Live"

How Defending Free Speech Can Unite Unlikely Allies

The Trump administration's threats to First Amendment rights have inspired a broad front defending free speech, freedom of the press, protest rights and more.

Jul. 2, 2026 Adam Fefer and Maria J. Stephan

Guterres speaks at a podium in the massive General Assembly hall, on a large dais at the base of a gold backdrop stretching to the high ceiling, his image also projected on screens behind him, as member state representatives are seated at long rows of desks arrayed in front of the dais.

As U.N. Secretary-General Candidates Make Pitch to be Mediator-in-Chief, Will Peacebuilding End Up On the Cutting Room Floor?

A U.N. pivot back to conflict mediation, suggested in the secretary-general search, will only reap dividends if peacebuilding is high on the next leader's agenda.

Jun. 23, 2026 Jordan Street and Maria Kisumbi

Members of the U.S. Colored Troops and Buffalo Soldiers — living historians and reenactors — stand in silhouette against a blue sky, rifles at their sides, as one figure carries a period American flag bearing the text "54th Regiment," before marching in the Juneteenth People's Parade in Washington, DC.

Jubilee Deferred: What Juneteenth Demands of America at 250

Juneteenth commemorates emancipation. Jubilee demands something more: a society in which access, opportunity and economic and political power are secure rather than contingent.

Jun. 17, 2026 Deborah Archer

An election observer coordinator for the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder stands on a walkway overlooking the Los Angeles County Ballot Processing Center in City of Industry, California, as workers process ballots during the June 2026 California state primary election.

The Last Check: Magistrate Judges and Federal Seizures of Election Records

A magistrate judge's review of a search-warrant application may be the last meaningful safeguard against federal interference in an election.

Jun. 16, 2026 John Keller and Chelsea Rice

The U.S. Supreme Court is seen at dusk on May 30, 2026 in Washington, DC.

Bang, Bang, Bang: Callais Kills Off the Voting Rights Act

To the extent that the Voting Rights Act served as at least a minimal constraint on political gerrymandering, that constraint is gone.

Jun. 4, 2026 Pamela S. Karlan

A crowd waves a red and green flag with a man's photo in the center ringed in yellow or gold. The people are standing with their backs to the camera looking toward a compound behind a wall at about the level of their heads.

In Addition to Chinese Pressure, a Backsliding Democracy May Explain Zambia’s Decision to Cancel a Major Human Rights Summit

Zambia’s cancellation of RightsCon is an indication not only of China’s influence, but also the country's own democratic erosion under a government that promised otherwise.

Jun. 2, 2026 Jane Munga and Steve Feldstein

People walk in front of a large concrete and glass building with large columns and windows lit up under a darkened sky, maybe dusk or dawn. Four flags fly from the top of the building, at least two of them the flags of Poland, the others in shadow.

Planning for America’s Democratic Renewal Must Start Now: Lessons from Poland

Poland’s recovery from democratic backsliding shows how hard the process can be -- and why U.S. reformers should start planning now for lawful, durable renewal.

May 26, 2026 Mieczysław (Mietek) Boduszyński and Laura Thornton

A protester blocks a road with a burning barricade to prevent traffic from passing during a nationwide transport strike over rising fuel prices in Nairobi on May 18, 2026.

The Middle East War Will Reshape Africa’s Democratic Trajectory

The economic fallout across Africa from the Iran war will have major impact on the well-being of African citizens and the prospects for democracy on the continent.

May 21, 2026 Frances Z. Brown

Below shot of volunteers stacking hands (via Getty Images).

Can Socially Cohesive Neighborhoods Protect Democracy from Political Violence?

Rising political violence discourages civic engagement, but socially cohesive neighborhoods help Americans stay politically active and committed to democracy.

May 7, 2026 James Piazza

Magyar, standing on the left in front of a red, white, and green Hungarian flag, shakes hands with von der Leyen, who is standing on the right in front of the EU flag, with a blue backdrop in between the flags carrying the emblem of the European Commission.

Hungary’s Election Is Already Paying Dividends for the EU and Ukraine. Is the U.S. Next?

Peter Magyar's election defeat of Viktor Orban in Hungary is easing relations with the EU and Ukraine. The course correction could even reverberate in the U.S.

May 5, 2026 Igor Khrestin and Andrew Chakhoyan

The Just Security Podcast: Hungary After Orban

Zsuzsanna Vegh joins Viola Gienger to explore the Hungarian opposition's win, Magyar's priorities, and how Hungary’s domestic and foreign policies might change.

Apr. 16, 2026 Zsuzsanna Végh and Viola Gienger

Someone in a fluorescent yellow safety jacket on a bicycle is standing speaking with several others at a campaign booth for the TISZA opposition political party. The booth has a poster on it apparently promoting two male candidates. There are trees and apparent residential block buildings in the background and neat brown pavers underfoot.

Hungary’s Election Could End Orbán’s Rule — But Will It End His Power?

Hungary's parliamentary election will test Prime Minister Viktor Orban's strength, as well as whether a change could successfully undo 16 years of autocratic rule.

Apr. 7, 2026 Zsuzsanna Végh