Ben Seyd
Declining public trust in political institutions raises concerns that citizens may turn away from democratic forms of decision-making. Recent cases of democratic backsliding seem to confirm this fear. Yet, as Ben Seyd argues, there is little evidence that declining trust impels citizens to embrace autocratic forms of decision-making Read more
Titus Alexander
Our models of higher education have polarising effects. Titus Alexander argues that we need to learn from Nordic models of adult education and recognise teaching as a form of scholarship to help citizens renew democracy Read more
Mebratu Kelecha
Democracy in Africa is at a crossroads. While regimes do hold elections, many still fail to deliver on their democratic promises. Mebratu Kelecha argues for a non-adversarial form of democracy inspired by Africa's rich Indigenous Gada system, which emphasises inclusivity, consensus-building, and cooperation Read more
Saloni Pradhan
Saloni Pradhan examines the growing threats to academic freedom in India. From controversial curriculum changes to pressure on scholars, the government is eroding intellectual autonomy. The implications for India's democracy — and the country's future as a knowledge society — are significant. Read more
Ed Dolan
Regime classifications are in dire need of better 'adjectives'. Ed Dolan introduces a new typology focused on rule compliance, which matters greatly in democracies and in authoritarian regimes. China is the non-compliant authoritarian regime exception that shows why. Read more
Zarina Mukasheva
The EU has a grand vision for democracy across the globe, and Central Asia is no exception. However, writes Zarina Mukasheva, the EU’s strategy to promote democracy in the region has so far failed to deliver. Read more
Baris Cayli Messina
Far-right violence in the UK threatens democracy. Baris Cayli Messina argues for repressive state power to counter this threat. Recognising that democracy is fragile, he calls for action against organisations and people that fuel extremism. Cooperation between state institutions and non-state actors is essential to combat fascist violence and ensure peaceful coexistence Read more
Antonio Campati
Antonio Campati, Martino Mazzoleni, and Andrea Scavo find, based on survey evidence, that Italians do not perceive an authoritarian risk in the far-right government led by Giorgia Meloni. However, they also discover a generational difference in attitudes towards democracy that may constitute concern for the future Read more
