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There is a growing perception that the liberal world order is coming to an end. While the current multilateral system may be weakened by the return of geopolitics, economic interdependence and transnational ties will prevent a complete lapse into anarchy.
Greece, Italy, Portugal, and Spain have generally been more cautious about prioritizing democracy support policies over other issues such as migration. Their geographical location may help to explain the difference in their strategic interests compared to other EU countries.
The 2021 Global Assembly was an attempt to create a citizen-led governance chamber that connected institutions, civil society, and grassroots communities. Making this format permanent would allow global citizens to be actively involved in long-term decisions on climate change.
European politics have been hobbled by a complex trilemma of the green transition, social justice, and democracy. Rather than approaching this puzzle in terms of trade-offs, European governments should employ open forms of democratic engagement to cultivate positive linkages.
In the last decade, nondemocratic regimes have received more development assistance than democratic countries. This reveals how donors struggle with autocratization despite a rhetorical commitment to democracy.
Serbia is pursuing EU membership yet continues to cultivate ties with Russia. To secure President Vucic’s cooperation and win over the disgruntled Serbian public, the union must use its leverage in the region.
There have been many more democratic openings since 2011 than is commonly thought. In that time, the EU has accelerated its response to crises and conflicts but has failed to develop financial, diplomatic, and trade mechanisms that grasp democratic opportunities with the same conviction.
Iranians from all walks of life are revolting against a regime built on the oppression of women and systematic violations of human rights. The EU should support civil society to help lay the foundation for a future that provides equality, life, and freedom for women and all Iranians.
The EU must build a new set of ambitious policies that treats Russia as a major threat to peace and stability in Europe, while continuing to engage with its people. A longer-term Russia strategy begins with a “Ukraine First” policy.
Countries around the world are struggling to bridge the gap between citizens and political elites. Innovative practices outside the West, while far from ideal, should be considered in debates about democratic renewal in Europe.
Crises have proven to be a necessary driver for the development of European integration, but they haven’t always led to a strengthened union. While the consequence of each challenge must be analyzed on a case-by-case basis, the element of solidarity among EU member states is crucial.
External interference in the West’s domestic affairs has prompted the European Parliament to consider tightening restrictions on foreign funding and individuals. The EU must tackle this challenge without eroding civic spaces or limiting support for civil society.
Kenya’s electoral process and democratic progress offer lessons for other countries in the Horn of Africa. However, further reforms are needed to strengthen the judiciary, enhance women’s political representation, and support civic spaces.
The EU’s AI-cybersecurity ecosystem remains highly fragmented. To realize its technological leadership ambitions, the bloc must connect the dots between its myriad initiatives, processes, and stakeholders.
The promotion of the rule of law across borders should be implemented based on clear and objective standards, and distinguished from state-building exercises.
Democracy support organizations are struggling to maintain operations in states with hostile environments. They need to reassess their approach in such countries and seek to address the political drivers of repression.
As the EU begins a new cycle of its aid programs, it must place democracy at the center of its development policy.
Contrary to widespread assertions, the Russian invasion of Ukraine has not given birth to a fundamental geopolitical shift in EU external action.
Russia's invasion of Ukraine will sharpen the divide between democracies and autocracies, but also lead to more realpolitik strategic balancing. A key question is what kind of coordination emerges between democracies.
Water scarcity threatens the political, social, economic, and environmental stability of Iran. The European Union can help by trailblazing a new form of diplomacy that integrates climate action, cultural exchange, and technological cooperation.