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Articles on democratic institutions

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As footage from the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection at the U.S. Capitol is displayed in the background, former president Donald Trump stands while a song, Justice for All, is played during a campaign rally in Waco, Texas, in March 2023. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

Donald Trump’s victim rhetoric will boost his popularity following latest indictment

Donald Trump’s legal woes will nourish and strengthen his rhetorical style, and his followers will continue to be persuaded by how he makes them feel, not by reason, facts or critical thought.
Sergi Reboredo/VW Pics/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

Democracy spreads in waves – but shared cultural history might matter more than geography

New research suggests countries with cosmopolitan values may be more likely to shift towards democracy, but democratic institutions can’t endure without sustained efforts to promote such values.
A Ukrainian serviceman inspects a classroom with a sign ‘Z’ on the door used by Russian forces in the retaken area of Kapitolivka, Ukraine, Sept. 25, 2022. Russian President Vladimir Putin spread an outlandish conspiracy theory to justify military invasion of Ukraine. (AP Photo/Evgeniy Maloletka)

How Hitler conspiracies and other Holocaust disinformation undermine democratic institutions

Many conspiracy theories and disinformation are rooted in antisemitic tropes which spread harm and undermine our democratic institutions.
Adoring fans celebrated Brazilian ex-President Luiz Inacio ‘Lula’ da Silva before he began a prison sentence for corruption in 2018. Lula’s conviction was recently annulled. Miguel Schincariol/AFP via Getty Images)

Prosecuting ex-presidents for corruption is trending worldwide – but it’s not always great for democracy

From Europe to Latin America and the US, former world leaders are being investigated, tried and even jailed. In theory, this shows no one is above the law. But presidents and PMs aren’t just anyone.
What are the ethics of anonymous resistance? Vincent Diamante

Why the anonymous op-ed sets a dangerous precedent

An expert argues why the anonymous op-ed in The New York Times can hardly be considered an act of civil disobedience and why it might make things even worse in the Trump administration.
Effective leadership requires leading by example, but Australia’s human rights record has drawn increasing criticism at home and abroad. Andrew Hill/flickr

Ten things Australia can do to be a human rights hero

On Human Rights Day, and with Australia set to take up a seat on the UN Human Rights Council, here’s a must-do list for this country to become a credible advocate for human rights.
In the face of rising protest, Venezuela’s government has called on the military to squelch dissent. Efecto Eco /Wikimedia

For Venezuela, there may be no happily ever after

Venezuela’s opposition has called a 48-hour strike to stop the Maduro government from rewriting the nation’s constitution. But grassroots democracy may not be able to save the Bolivarian Republic.

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