Meduza journalist Ivan Golunov’s release from house arrest does not imply a softening of the Kremlin’s stance toward civil society or a strengthening of its fight against corruption, Russia analysts… Read more »
Only a fool would predict a happy ending to the Hong Kong story, but it is also foolish to assume that history will follow a predictable course, notes Jeffrey… Read more »
The spread of kleptocracy, or “rule by thieves,” has harmed the poorest and most vulnerable populations worldwide most of all. But it also destabilizes entire regions, creating new fertile recruiting… Read more »
Nicaragua’s government said more than one hundred prisoners arrested during recent anti-government protests were freed (Reuters: HT-CFR) this week under a new amnesty law. Human rights groups and members of… Read more »
Sudan’s military authorities are shutting down the Internet in an effort to suffocate the current pro-democracy protest movement. Internet shutdowns are not new, but they have become increasingly popular instrument… Read more »
China’s assertion of sharp power is one reason why Canada must develop a comprehensive strategy to strengthen cultural diplomacy as a pillar of foreign policy, according to a new Senate… Read more »
Russia has spent years exploiting institutions and legal systems in the West to target critics, invalidate court decisions and roll back sanctions, according to allegations in a new analysis, NPR’s… Read more »
The British journalist Oliver Bullough’s “Moneyland,” provides a glimpse into a shadow system of trillions of dollars of hidden assets that transcends nations, feeds corruption and “quietly but effectively” is… Read more »
Current proposals around disinformation are described in negative terms: they are all about stopping “harms” and mitigating “dangers,” notes Peter Pomerantsev, a director of the Arena Program at the… Read more »
Widespread dissatisfaction with democracy has created political space of illiberal populist forces, which – like Hungary’s Viktor Orban – use democratic institutions for authoritarian ends. But popular discontent is also… Read more »