To understand today’s autocratic regimes, we should look at how they exploit social media, argues Bakhyzhan Kurmanov. In Kazakhstan, a referendum in the name of ‘open government’ is effectively a sham. What's more, it is a cover for autocratic practices of silencing dissent
Lobbying regulation is an area where political scientists can help strengthen democracy. We usually analyse the effects of existing regulations, and see why, where, and how they are implemented. But Alberto Bitonti argues we can do much more, helping regulators fix loopholes and understand what they really should aim for
In Kazakhstan’s recent presidential elections, incumbent President Tokayev won an overwhelming majority, further consolidating his rule. Tokayev preaches democratisation. Yet, as Bakhytzhan Kurmanov argues, the elections were hardly democratic, and the reforms he proposes may mask an intent to strengthen his own position rather than empower Kazakh citizens
Mebratu Kelecha argues that democracy should not force deep differences into one supposedly universal language. A pluriversal democracy would protect conflict without elimination, recognise the right to opacity, and build institutions in which Indigenous law, more-than-human claims, and revisable political settlements can coexist. Rather than demanding final consensus, it would preserve legitimate difference
Global AI competition has entered a new phase. While Washington and Brussels build 'Pax Silica' around infrastructure, Beijing is developing a rival coalition around governance. At first glance, this suggests the emergence of a bipolar model. But a closer look, says Elena Yurieva, reveals a picture that is far more complex
The EU’s Interoperable Europe Act aims to enable seamless data flows and online public services across borders. Drawing on EU digital regulation research, Evangelos Palaskas illustrates how the Act's governance, agenda and political challenges will shape the next phase of digital government in the European Union
Opposition to sustainable transport projects is growing, because of distributive and identity grievances familiar from broader climate policy. Flora Baumgartner looks at how transport policies are contested locally, and how they act as glue for right-wing parties, locally and at a European level
Hungary's 2026 parliamentary election revealed how a politically captured system of minority representation and non-resident voting continue to shape electoral outcomes. Péter Kállai, Balázs Majtényi and Alíz Nagy argue that meaningful reform must address both
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