Is the ‘WEIRD’ democratic West in existential crisis?
The West finds itself in an existential crisis, argues Yaroslav Trofimov. Its role as a global beacon is in doubt, and institutions such as NATO are, in the words of… Read more »
Search Results for: openness west
China Deep Dive: Western democracies ‘blind’ to Beijing’s global ambition
Western policy-makers’ belief in democratic inevitability “blinded observers to the Chinese Communist Party’s overriding objective of retaining and growing its power,” according to a new analysis. “The mass internment of… Read more »
‘Westlessness’: Liberal democracies’ malaise allows for renewal
A revitalization of the West in the world must start at home. But, in contrast to autocratic regimes, liberal democracies have built-in mechanisms that allow for course corrections and democratic… Read more »
West must identify, exploit asymmetric advantages over autocrats
With the re-emergence of great power competition, Russia and China are pursuing asymmetric strategies against the West, using the advantages of authoritarianism—secrecy, deception, a lack of legal or moral constraints—to… Read more »
‘New Cold War’ with assertively autocratic China? Display West’s democratic unity
The international system is currently experiencing a period of transition as economic, institutional and military power is being amassed by China, which is depleting the relative influence and stature of… Read more »
Not just for the West: liberal democracy ‘a victim of its own success’
FROM ALL OUTWARD signs, liberal democracy is in retreat around the world. Populist and nationalist movements, often explicitly xenophobic, are on the rise in Europe, notes analyst Cathy Young. Opinion columns… Read more »
Suicide of the West: tribalism threatens liberal-democratic ‘miracle’
The bloody mess that is Syria stands as Exhibit A of what is happening to global order with the retreat of American leadership, notes the Washington Post’s Jackson Diehl. In… Read more »
Liberal world order is ‘sick’: Davos highlights West’s geopolitical depression
The relative weakness of some Western leaders appearing at the World Economic Forum in Davos reflects the recent fragmentation of electoral support on which democratic leaders rely, unlike in more… Read more »
Tillerson criticizes Russia’s use of hybrid warfare ‘to undermine Western institutions’
U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson today criticized “Russia’s continued use of hybrid warfare” and its attempts “to undermine Western institutions” in a reference to the mix of state-sponsored… Read more »
Autocrats’ ‘sharp power’ prompts Western self-censorship
Outspoken Labor MP Michael Danby has warned of China’s rise in “hard power”, praising the “push-back by Australia’s democratic system” against soft power initiatives, the Australian reports: Speaking to a… Read more »