Journal of Democracy
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The Journal of Democracy: The smartest analysis on democracy and authoritarianism around the world. Reposts ≠ Endorsement. https://linkin.bio/jodemocracy
Capitalism is often blamed for democracy’s ills. But much of the blame is misplaced. It is not business capture of the state but rather state capture of business that poses the greatest danger to democracy.
Can Capitalism Save Democracy? | Journal of Democracy
Capitalism is often blamed for democracy’s ills. But much of the blame is misplaced. It is not business capture of the state but rather state capture of business that poses the greatest danger to…
www.journalofdemocracy.org
November 26, 2025 at 8:29 PM
Capitalism is often blamed for democracy’s ills. But much of the blame is misplaced. It is not business capture of the state but rather state capture of business that poses the greatest danger to democracy.
Restoring liberalism after illiberalism is no easy task: Leaders face hard choices between acting quickly and effectively while maintaining a commitment to democratic procedure. Worse, their illiberal opponents stand to benefit either way.
Democracy After Illiberalism: A Warning from Poland | Journal of Democracy
Restoring liberalism after illiberalism is no easy task: Leaders face hard choices between acting quickly and effectively while maintaining a commitment to democratic procedure. Worse…
www.journalofdemocracy.org
November 26, 2025 at 6:50 PM
Restoring liberalism after illiberalism is no easy task: Leaders face hard choices between acting quickly and effectively while maintaining a commitment to democratic procedure. Worse, their illiberal opponents stand to benefit either way.
Faith in democracy is fading, as citizens increasingly find self-rule slow, tired, and opaque. It’s time for democratic institutions to lean into the tech revolution. Digital governance isn’t a gadget; it’s democracy’s lifeline.
Why Democracy Needs to Go Digital | Journal of Democracy
Faith in democracy is fading, as citizens increasingly find self-rule slow, tired, and opaque. It’s time for democratic institutions to lean into the tech revolution. Digital governance isn’t a gadget…
www.journalofdemocracy.org
November 26, 2025 at 5:27 PM
Faith in democracy is fading, as citizens increasingly find self-rule slow, tired, and opaque. It’s time for democratic institutions to lean into the tech revolution. Digital governance isn’t a gadget; it’s democracy’s lifeline.
Nicolás Maduro’s regime has long relied on support from China, Cuba, Russia, and other authoritarians to stay afloat. But now that the United States is stepping up the pressure, will his fellow autocrats leave him high and dry?
Will Maduro’s Autocratic Allies Desert Him? | Journal of Democracy
Nicolás Maduro’s regime has long relied on support from China, Cuba, Russia, and other authoritarians to stay afloat. But now that the United States is stepping up the pressure…
www.journalofdemocracy.org
November 26, 2025 at 3:43 PM
Nicolás Maduro’s regime has long relied on support from China, Cuba, Russia, and other authoritarians to stay afloat. But now that the United States is stepping up the pressure, will his fellow autocrats leave him high and dry?
Tanzanians are fighting for their voices to be heard after President Hassan rigged their presidential election in her favor.
Has Tanzania Reached Its Breaking Point? | Journal of Democracy
President Hassan promised Tanzanians freedom, transparency, and reform. Instead, she has delivered repression, violence, and arrests as she bars anyone who dares challenge her.
www.journalofdemocracy.org
November 26, 2025 at 2:23 PM
Tanzanians are fighting for their voices to be heard after President Hassan rigged their presidential election in her favor.
"Even if official claims are accepted as true, under a democratic order grounded in the rule of law, the security forces can enter a neighborhood armed with the tools of lethal force, but not with an intent to kill. This is a crucial distinction."
Why the War on Crime Threatens Democracy | Journal of Democracy
Last month Rio’s police conducted the deadliest police operation in Brazil’s history, killing 117 people. It is one episode in a long history of state violence. Not only are such iron-fisted methods…
www.journalofdemocracy.org
November 26, 2025 at 1:00 PM
"Even if official claims are accepted as true, under a democratic order grounded in the rule of law, the security forces can enter a neighborhood armed with the tools of lethal force, but not with an intent to kill. This is a crucial distinction."
The Cuban government doesn't want you to know that they're starving their own people.
The Cuban Embargo Does Not Exist | Journal of Democracy
The Cuban regime has created a narrative of victimhood as a smoke screen for its gross incompetence and corruption. I should know. I once believed it, too.
www.journalofdemocracy.org
November 25, 2025 at 7:45 PM
The Cuban government doesn't want you to know that they're starving their own people.
In the decade leading up to the covid-19 pandemic, nonviolent civil resistance grew more popular than ever—but its effectiveness had already started to plummet.
The Future of Nonviolent Resistance | Journal of Democracy
In the decade leading up to the covid-19 pandemic, nonviolent civil resistance grew more popular than ever—but its effectiveness had already started to plummet. The future of nonviolent resistance may…
www.journalofdemocracy.org
November 25, 2025 at 6:04 PM
In the decade leading up to the covid-19 pandemic, nonviolent civil resistance grew more popular than ever—but its effectiveness had already started to plummet.
"This year’s polls and handling of the postelection crisis exposed undeniable flaws and weaknesses in Cameroonian society, and are tearing through the veil of cosmetic democratic experimentation that the current regime has shielded itself with for more than four decades."
Cameroon’s Election Casts a Long Shadow | Journal of Democracy
Cameroonians just reelected the 92-year-old Paul Biya in an election that voters rightly view with suspicion. The tensions under the surface don’t bode well for the country or its people.
www.journalofdemocracy.org
November 25, 2025 at 4:30 PM
"This year’s polls and handling of the postelection crisis exposed undeniable flaws and weaknesses in Cameroonian society, and are tearing through the veil of cosmetic democratic experimentation that the current regime has shielded itself with for more than four decades."
The case of Hungary shows how autocrats can rig elections legally, using legislative majorities to change the law and neutralize the opposition at every turn, no matter what strategy they adopt.
How Viktor Orbán Wins | Journal of Democracy
The case of Hungary shows how autocrats can rig elections legally, using legislative majorities to change the law and neutralize the opposition at every turn, no matter what strategy they adopt.
www.journalofdemocracy.org
November 25, 2025 at 3:02 PM
The case of Hungary shows how autocrats can rig elections legally, using legislative majorities to change the law and neutralize the opposition at every turn, no matter what strategy they adopt.
"Distraught residents of Vila Cruzeiro...carried dozens of dead bodies from the forest bordering their community...The bodies were those of their neighbors and family members, men whom the authorities had killed during the previous day’s 'Operation Containment'."
Why the War on Crime Threatens Democracy | Journal of Democracy
Last month Rio’s police conducted the deadliest police operation in Brazil’s history, killing 117 people. It is one episode in a long history of state violence. Not only are such iron-fisted methods…
www.journalofdemocracy.org
November 25, 2025 at 2:00 PM
"Distraught residents of Vila Cruzeiro...carried dozens of dead bodies from the forest bordering their community...The bodies were those of their neighbors and family members, men whom the authorities had killed during the previous day’s 'Operation Containment'."
They have been smart, creative, leaderless, and transparent. And they aren’t targeting any one politician or party. They aim to change the entire system.
How Serbian Students Created the Largest Protest Movement in Decades | Journal of Democracy
They have been smart, creative, leaderless, and transparent. And they aren’t targeting any one politician or party. They aim to change the entire system.
www.journalofdemocracy.org
November 25, 2025 at 1:40 PM
They have been smart, creative, leaderless, and transparent. And they aren’t targeting any one politician or party. They aim to change the entire system.
"Roughly forty of the victims [of Operation Containment] had no criminal record. Footage shows heavily armed officers patrolling narrow alleys...in residential and commercial areas, while residents report that police stormed houses."
Why the War on Crime Threatens Democracy | Journal of Democracy
Last month Rio’s police conducted the deadliest police operation in Brazil’s history, killing 117 people. It is one episode in a long history of state violence. Not only are such iron-fisted methods…
www.journalofdemocracy.org
November 24, 2025 at 8:00 PM
"Roughly forty of the victims [of Operation Containment] had no criminal record. Footage shows heavily armed officers patrolling narrow alleys...in residential and commercial areas, while residents report that police stormed houses."
What is transnational repression?
Transnational repression occurs when authoritarians target individuals outside their borders, and it is now easier for them than ever before.
Transnational repression occurs when authoritarians target individuals outside their borders, and it is now easier for them than ever before.
The Golden Age of Transnational Repression | Journal of Democracy
Authoritarian regimes are targeting exiles and diaspora communities in more places than ever before. Activists, journalists, and regular people living abroad must watch their backs…
www.journalofdemocracy.org
November 24, 2025 at 7:28 PM
What is transnational repression?
Transnational repression occurs when authoritarians target individuals outside their borders, and it is now easier for them than ever before.
Transnational repression occurs when authoritarians target individuals outside their borders, and it is now easier for them than ever before.
Last month Rio’s police conducted the deadliest police operation in Brazil’s history, killing 117 people. It is one episode in a long history of state violence. Not only are such iron-fisted methods ineffective, they pose a danger for democracy itself.
Why the War on Crime Threatens Democracy | Journal of Democracy
Last month Rio’s police conducted the deadliest police operation in Brazil’s history, killing 117 people. It is one episode in a long history of state violence. Not only are such iron-fisted methods…
www.journalofdemocracy.org
November 24, 2025 at 6:25 PM
Last month Rio’s police conducted the deadliest police operation in Brazil’s history, killing 117 people. It is one episode in a long history of state violence. Not only are such iron-fisted methods ineffective, they pose a danger for democracy itself.
President Hassan sought to strongarm the country’s election, meting out repression, violence, and arrests to anyone who dares challenge her. Tanzanians have seen enough.
Has Tanzania Reached Its Breaking Point? | Journal of Democracy
President Hassan promised Tanzanians freedom, transparency, and reform. Instead, she has delivered repression, violence, and arrests as she bars anyone who dares challenge her.
www.journalofdemocracy.org
November 24, 2025 at 6:01 PM
President Hassan sought to strongarm the country’s election, meting out repression, violence, and arrests to anyone who dares challenge her. Tanzanians have seen enough.
Artificial Intelligence has become autocrats’ newest tool for surveilling, targeting, and crushing dissent. Activists must learn how to harness it in the fight for freedom.
How Autocrats Weaponize AI — And How to Fight Back | Journal of Democracy
Artificial Intelligence has become autocrats’ newest tool for surveilling, targeting, and crushing dissent. But this supercharged technology doesn’t need to favor tyrants. Activists must learn how to…
www.journalofdemocracy.org
November 24, 2025 at 4:30 PM
Artificial Intelligence has become autocrats’ newest tool for surveilling, targeting, and crushing dissent. Activists must learn how to harness it in the fight for freedom.
An expansive underworld of hidden wealth lies beneath the everyday economy. This stealth network of tax havens, secret trusts, and offshore accounts is weakening democratic institutions and fueling our worst enemies.
How Financial Secrecy Undermines Democracy | Journal of Democracy
An expansive underworld of hidden wealth lies beneath the everyday economy. This stealth network of tax havens, secret trusts, and offshore accounts is weakening democratic institutions and fueling…
www.journalofdemocracy.org
November 24, 2025 at 3:05 PM
An expansive underworld of hidden wealth lies beneath the everyday economy. This stealth network of tax havens, secret trusts, and offshore accounts is weakening democratic institutions and fueling our worst enemies.
Cameroonians just reelected the 92-year-old Paul Biya in an election that voters rightly view with suspicion. The tensions under the surface don’t bode well for the country or its people.
Cameroon’s Election Casts a Long Shadow | Journal of Democracy
Cameroonians just reelected the 92-year-old Paul Biya in an election that voters rightly view with suspicion. The tensions under the surface don’t bode well for the country or its people.
www.journalofdemocracy.org
November 24, 2025 at 1:42 PM
Cameroonians just reelected the 92-year-old Paul Biya in an election that voters rightly view with suspicion. The tensions under the surface don’t bode well for the country or its people.
People are losing faith in democracy’s ability to deliver social progress. But are democracies better than autocracies at promoting economic growth, alleviating poverty, and creating healthier, more educated, and more peaceful societies? On all counts, the answer is yes.
What Democracy Does . . . And Does Not Do | Journal of Democracy
People are losing faith in democracy’s ability to deliver social progress. But are democracies better than autocracies at promoting economic growth, alleviating poverty, and creating healthier…
www.journalofdemocracy.org
November 23, 2025 at 6:54 PM
People are losing faith in democracy’s ability to deliver social progress. But are democracies better than autocracies at promoting economic growth, alleviating poverty, and creating healthier, more educated, and more peaceful societies? On all counts, the answer is yes.
The recognition of democracy as a universally relevant system is a major revolution in thinking, and one of the main contributions of the twentieth century. While not yet universally practiced, democracy is now being taken as generally right.
Democracy as a Universal Value | Journal of Democracy
The recognition of democracy as a universally relevant system is a major revolution in thinking, and one of the main contributions of the twentieth century. While not yet universally practiced…
www.journalofdemocracy.org
November 23, 2025 at 5:30 PM
The recognition of democracy as a universally relevant system is a major revolution in thinking, and one of the main contributions of the twentieth century. While not yet universally practiced, democracy is now being taken as generally right.
Nicolás Maduro is a mafia boss, not a president, and the Venezuelan government is now a criminal enterprise with the power of a state. It poses a threat to democracies everywhere.
How Venezuela Became a Gangster State | Journal of Democracy
Nicolás Maduro is a mafia boss, not a president, and the Venezuelan government is now a criminal enterprise with the power of a state. It poses a threat to democracies everywhere.
www.journalofdemocracy.org
November 23, 2025 at 3:48 PM
Nicolás Maduro is a mafia boss, not a president, and the Venezuelan government is now a criminal enterprise with the power of a state. It poses a threat to democracies everywhere.
Facing an unfair election? Here's how to compete:
How to Compete in Unfair Elections | Journal of Democracy
Opposition movements often boycott rigged polls rather than risk legitimizing an autocrat. It is usually a mistake. Here is the playbook for how one opposition seized the advantage.
www.journalofdemocracy.org
November 22, 2025 at 6:04 PM
Facing an unfair election? Here's how to compete:
"In a time when institutions struggle with a loss of legitimacy and corruption thrives in complicated environments, using technology for governance may be our best way forward."
Why Democracy Needs to Go Digital | Journal of Democracy
Faith in democracy is fading, as citizens increasingly find self-rule slow, tired, and opaque. It’s time for democratic institutions to lean into the tech revolution. Digital governance isn’t a gadget…
www.journalofdemocracy.org
November 22, 2025 at 4:30 PM
"In a time when institutions struggle with a loss of legitimacy and corruption thrives in complicated environments, using technology for governance may be our best way forward."
Why do ordinary people vote to return to office undemocratic incumbents? New survey experiments in several countries suggest that many voters are willing to put their partisan interests above democratic principles.
Polarization versus Democracy | Journal of Democracy
Why do ordinary people vote to return to office undemocratic incumbents? New survey experiments in several countries suggest that many voters are willing to put their partisan interests above…
www.journalofdemocracy.org
November 22, 2025 at 3:01 PM
Why do ordinary people vote to return to office undemocratic incumbents? New survey experiments in several countries suggest that many voters are willing to put their partisan interests above democratic principles.