Maissam Nimer
The spectacular fall of the Syrian regime comes with high expectations on refugee return. But we should meet such expectations with caution. Only a week ago, secondary displacement from Lebanon to Syria was being framed – wrongly – as 'voluntary return'. Maissam Nimer and Nora Stel warn that uncertain times lie ahead for displaced Syrians. Read more
Kinga Korányi
Péter Magyar poses an unprecedented threat to Viktor Orbán’s rule. Kinga Korányi argues that Magyar’s sudden success is the result of his agenda-setting capabilities as a former Fidesz affiliate who caught Orbán’s government by surprise. However, she warns that Magyar’s lasting success is still contigent on several factors. Read more
Titus Alexander
Trump may have scored a resounding win, but can he deliver the changes Americans voted for? Titus Alexander argues that the new political order challenges political science to help citizens make democracy work better. Read more
Lauren Leek
Thirty years ago, central banks simply did not make transparent public statements. Now, communication with the public and the media is crucial to their operation. Lauren Leek has developed an interactive website, Central Bank Talk, which offers users revealing insights into central bank communication across the world, and over time. Here, she presents some of the site's key tools. Read more
Eda Keremoglu
International observers generally praise the rise in female politicians in autocracies, but the inclusion of women in politics can also be a means by which autocrats polish their image without real reform. Janina Beiser-McGrath and Eda Keremoğlu caution that authoritarian states do not necessarily become more democratic, even if women gain real power in their cabinets. Read more
Ruairidh Brown
As Trump returns to the White House, what, exactly, is the ideology of Trumpism? Ruairidh Brown argues that Trump’s America First agenda is, at its core, Machiavellian Read more
Mimi Mihăilescu
Gypsy folk-pop – manele – played a key role in Romania’s 2024 presidential elections. In Roma tradition, manele expresses celebration and resilience. But Mimi Mihăilescu argues that for decades, Romania's politicians have exploited this musical genre for their own ends. Read more
Camil Ungureanu
Camil Ungureanu and Delia Dumitrica examine the phenomenon of Diana Șoșoacă, Romania's far-right strongwoman leader and TikTok sensation. While the populist right tends to champion traditional gender roles, Șoșoacă is crafting fresh gender narratives that resonate with female voters, Read more
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