Michael Asiedu
Chad's 20-year conviction of opposition leader Succès Masra reveals how African courts have become weaponised against dissent. Across the continent, writes Michael Asiedu, from Benin to Uganda, authoritarian regimes are increasingly using fabricated charges to silence opponents. This, he says, masks repression behind democratic facades, erodes judicial independence, and weakens the prospects for genuine democratic transition Read more
Robert Nordström
Despite a series of court rulings challenging Japan’s same-sex marriage ban, public opinion remains largely unmoved. Robert Nordström presents evidence from new survey data which reveals the fleeting influence of judicial action in advancing LGBTQ rights in this conservative society Read more
Max Steuer
The Slovak Constitutional Court has – temporarily, at least – succeeded in halting policies driving the country towards illiberalism. Max Steuer argues that this decision, and its political context, resemble developments in late-1990s Slovakia. The Court showed resilience, but it might not suffice if Slovakia’s illiberals learn from the experience Read more
Julian G. Waller
The lure of typology is irresistible for social scientists, yet commonly used schemas classifying authoritarian politics still miss key variation. Our frameworks often rely on organisational assumptions set one level of abstraction too high. Julian G. Waller demonstrates how a closer look at constitutional structure can confront this problem Read more
Daniel Naurin
It is widely argued that courts should make public their dissenting opinions in order to right wrongs and increase transparency. Yet, writes Daniel Naurin, courts will have a harder time securing public compliance with their decisions if they fail to speak with one voice Read more
The Loop
Cutting-edge analysis showcasing the work of the political science discipline at its best.
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