To face the multiple crises of our time, we need to explore our inner multiplicity. In this inaugural blog for a new series on ‘Democratic Transformations’, Hans Asenbaum argues that in daring to be different, we can engender systemic change
Analyses of the opposition against gender equality in Europe mostly address the opponents of women’s rights as inherently anti-democratic, and feminist actors as democratic by definition. But Joana Lilli Hofstetter and Lucrecia Rubio Grundell use sex work as an example of how anti-democratic backlashes against women’s rights can also be promoted by feminist actors
Can digitalisation prevent election tampering in Zimbabwe? New technologies certainly have the potential to improve the conduct and management of elections. But, as Gift Mwonzora argues, without concomitant political will and adherence to electoral laws, digitalisation does little to enhance electoral integrity and democracy in (semi-)authoritarian regimes
Recent electoral success for the Economic Freedom Fighters means the global rise of populism has firmly reached South Africa. But Ainara Mancebo cautions that most of EFF's parliamentary efforts are aimed merely at criticising the ruling party, and exposing its failures. EFF pledges to transform the South African economy, she says, ring hollow
Co-governance featured extensively in the Aotearoa/New Zealand 2023 electoral campaign. These arrangements between central or local governments and Māori Indigenous representatives have divided the political spectrum. Now that electoral results are in, Valentin Clavé-Mercier examines the debate surrounding co-governance and its prospects going forward
Britain exited the European Union because it wanted to reclaim its sovereignty. Learning from Norway’s EU experience, Britain must be cognisant of the limits on its autonomy, even as a non-member, write Johanne D. Saltnes, Merethe D. Leiren, Arild A. Farsund, Jarle Trondal, John Erik Fossum and Chris Lord
The Swedish government has proposed an obligation that would require public sector workers to notify police and immigration authorities about undocumented migrants. Azher Hameed Qamar says the proposal contradicts professional ethics and human rights. Using employees as 'agents' compromises social care, welfare organisations' credibility and humanitarian ethics
Populists threaten press freedom and, frequently, democracy itself. Giulia Sbaraini Fontes suggests that while news outlets may have a toxic relationship with these politicians, they also harvest immediate commercial benefits themselves, and jeopardise journalism’s credibility and legitimacy
The Left (Die Linke) in Germany is one of the most established left-wing populist parties in Europe. But it may soon experience a split, Jan Philipp Thomeczek argues, as Sahra Wagenknecht may form her own party. He places this within the German historical context, and within that of populist movements more broadly
Kristof Jacobs addresses the ‘myth’ that deliberation will counteract populism, arguing that there seems to be a crucial difference between populist citizens and populist parties. There are indeed reasons to be optimistic when it comes to populist citizens, but far less optimism is warranted when it comes to populist parties
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