When Russia invaded Ukraine, its leader was immediately labeled “fascist” by Ukrainians and others. A political scientist explains why that label fits.
A carnival float featuring Russian President Vladimir Putin handling Belarus’ President Alexander Lukashenko like a puppet, is presented in the center of Cologne, western Germany, on February 28, 2022, where a “Freedom for Ukraine” demonstration took place instead of the traditional carnival Rose Monday procession.
Ina Fassbender/AFP
Caught between reliance on the Kremlin and strong antiwar sentiments at home, Alexander Lukashenko is treading a fine line on Russia’s war against Ukraine.
Vladimir Putin’s popularity could come crumbling down if anti-war sentiment in Russia continues to grow.
Ukrainian soldiers take positions in downtown Kyiv, Ukraine, on Feb. 25, 2022 after Russia pressed its invasion of Ukraine to the outskirts of the capital.
(AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)
Even if Vladimir Putin wins in Ukraine, he won’t be able to govern Ukrainians as he pleases. That’s because power is perceived very differently by Russians and Ukrainians.
A Donald Trump supporter flies a Trump flat a trucker convoy protest against COVID-19 restrictions in Toronto.
THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan Denette
The ANC retains its determination to rule yet lacks the capacity to do so effectively. The only way out of the dilemma is its defeat in an election.
Supporters of incumbent president Adama Barrow’s National Peoples Party (NPP) during a campaign rally in Banjul in November 2021.
Photo by Guy Peterson/AFP via Getty Images
Most adults were prepared to sacrifice their rights to ensure the safety and health of all during the pandemic, averaging 74%.
Former Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe greets supporters massed at his party headquarters shortly before his ouster in 2017.
Jekesai Njikizana/AFP via Getty Images
By shutting off internet access completely, the government of Kazakhstan was able to silence dissent, hinder protesters’ coordination and keep the populace in the dark.
An activist holds up a defaced portrait of Myanmar Gen. Min Aung Hlaing during a rally against the military coup in Jakarta, Indonesia in April 2021, as the ASEAN summit was being held.
(AP Photo/Tatan Syuflana)
Will the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, known as ASEAN, start taking tougher stances against authoritarian and military regimes? Its recent treatment of Myanmar’s military ruler is promising.
Security fences stand near the U.S. Capitol on January 5, 2022.
Drew Angerer/Getty Images
The January 6, 2021, Capitol riot happened a year ago. But the attempt to disrupt the peaceful transfer of power was just one part of a larger, and more long-term, attempt to undo US democracy.
Artificial intelligence has yet to develop the common sense required to identify fake news.
(Shutterstock)
While it may be difficult to enact a global set of regulations on surveillance technologies, individual countries can take the lead with enhanced monitoring and stronger laws.
The optimism Angolan president João Lourenço’s election generated four years ago has dwindled as electoral promise after another have failed to materialise.
The militarisation of the Zimbabwean government raises serious questions about who really wields political power - President Emmerson Mnangagwa or army leaders.
Mujahid Safodien/AFP via Getty Images
The extent of democracy capture varies markedly between countries. It’s much higher in states such as Zimbabwe, where the government has never changed hands.