Iraqi Kurdistan at the Crossroads?
With a referendum on independence in speculation for autumn 2017, Iraqi Kurdistan stands at a crucial political juncture that has global implications. The increasing autonomy of the region promises to… Read more »
Category: Middle East/North Africa
Tackle ideological roots of jihadism to counter terrorism
The increasing threat of terrorism has not just influenced American perceptions of the liberal international order. It has had an impact in European democracies as well, contributing to Brexit and… Read more »
Democracies must not fall for terrorism’s ‘strategy of provocation’
How can democracies combat terrorism without undermining liberal democratic norms and institutions? Following the terrorist attacks in Manchester and London, British Prime Minister Theresa May has proposed restricting internet freedom… Read more »
Kleptocracy ‘not a domestic problem’: corruption’s devastating consequences
Massive protests in Venezuela, Tunisia, Brazil, Morocco, and the Dominican Republic [and Slovakia, left] over the last few weeks have highlighted political graft around the globe, and the ensuing instability… Read more »
Slovakia’s corruption undermining democracy, fueling extremism
Thousands of Slovaks rallied in Bratislava on Monday to protest against corruption and demand the resignation of the interior minister over his ties with a developer under investigation for tax… Read more »
How modern authoritarians are breaking down democracy
Modern authoritarianism has succeeded, where previous totalitarian systems failed, due to new strategies of repression, the exploitation of open societies, and the spread of illiberal policies in democratic countries… Read more »
Rif protests: Morocco’s Bouazizi moment?
Morocco’s authorities have carried out a chilling wave of arrests rounding up scores of protesters, activists and bloggers in the Rif, northern Morocco, over the past week following months of… Read more »
Principled Realism ‘ideologically handicapped’ in confronting Iran
“Principled Realism” is no more likely than realpolitik to check Tehran’s clerical regime where it matters most, in Syria, according to a leading analyst. Such an approach “appears ideologically… Read more »
Civil society countering extremism, fostering inclusion in Iraq
I was just sixteen years old in 2003 when US troops toppled Saddam Hussein, a dictator who feared any institutions separate from the state of the ruling party, writes Yazidi… Read more »
Disaffection leaves Tunisians vulnerable to violent extremism
Marginalized Tunisians are vulnerable to radical, often violent ideology in part because they believe they lack viable, nonviolent means of alleviating grievances, according to a new report. Public opinion research… Read more »