Menu Close
The Conversation

Articles on Political prosecutions

Displaying all articles
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, second from right, ran the investigation that led to former President Donald Trump’s indictment. AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura

Prosecuting a president is divisive and sometimes destabilizing – here’s why many countries do it anyway

Victor Menaldo, University of Washington; James D. Long, University of Washington, and Morgan Wack, University of Washington

Both sweeping immunity and overzealous prosecutions of former leaders can undermine democracy. But such prosecutions pose different risks for older democracies like the US than in younger ones.
A man protesting in New York City one year after the violent insurrection in Washington, D.C. Erik McGregor/LightRocket via Getty Images

Prosecuting Trump would inevitably be political – and other countries have had mixed success in holding ex-presidents accountable

James D. Long, University of Washington; Morgan Wack, University of Washington, and Victor Menaldo, University of Washington

Criminal charges against former President Donald Trump for his role in the Jan. 6 Capitol riot could spark political consequences – not only for Trump, but for US democracy.
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

Victor Menaldo, University of Washington; James D. Long, University of Washington, and Morgan Wack, University of Washington

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.

Related Topics

  1. Benjamin Netanyahu
  2. Brazil
  3. Democracy
  4. Donald Trump
  5. France
  6. Jacob Zuma
  7. Lula da Silva
  8. Nicolas Sarkozy
  9. Political corruption
  10. South Africa

Top contributors