Democracy is under pressure from within and without. Illiberal leaders, disinformation, and authoritarian interference are testing institutions across Europe and North America, even as citizens mobilize to defend free and fair government. This hub is the gateway to analysis of democratic health: elections and their integrity, the rule of law and judicial independence, civil society and a free press, and the resilience of institutions against democratic backsliding. Fellows and analysts track the contest between democratic renewal and democratic backsliding, with close attention to Central and Eastern Europe, and assess what strengthens accountable government. Explore analysis and commentary on elections, the rule of law, civil society, and the defense of democracy.
Democracy
If the West wants change in Moscow, it needs to stop undermining Russia’s opposition media as it reports the truth about the Kremlin’s disastrous war.
No Result Found
September 25, 2026
How to Fight Putin’s War on Reality
If the West wants change in Moscow, it needs to stop undermining Russia’s opposition media as it reports the truth about the Kremlin’s disastrous war.
September 21, 2026
Ukraine’s War Widows Fight for Compensation
Disputes over whether soldiers died “defending the motherland” are preventing Ukrainian widows and other relatives from receiving vital compensation.
September 18, 2026
Russia’s Rigged Elections Still Serve a Purpose
Putin’s regime fixes election outcomes, but relies on the real numbers to assess resistance.
September 18, 2026
Russia’s Election Campaign Puts Governors on the Hook
The Kremlin devolves vote fixing and coerced turnout to the leaders of its regions. Expectations are high and failure is punished.
September 18, 2026
The Big Day Looms for Putin’s Election Fixers
Why does the Russian regime bother with elections? In part because it has become an imperative for a bureaucracy to maintain its influence and wealth.
September 18, 2026
Kremlin Vote-Fakers Crush the Liberals
The Yabloko party seemed suddenly popular as Duma elections approached. This rattled the Kremlin and brought a familiar despotic response.
September 14, 2026
Kremlin Prepares to Cross the Final Red Line
The majority of Russians oppose forced mobilization to the war in Ukraine, but the Kremlin has been preparing the ground to make it happen.
September 4, 2026
Europe and US Need a Plan for Economic Friendly Fire
New US sanctions legislation is on a collision course with the European Union’s anti-coercion rules. Sensitivity is needed on both sides to avoid a damaging clash of allies.
September 4, 2026
Can Russian Meddling Swing France’s Presidential Election?
Russian-linked information manipulation has targeted three of France's most pro-Ukrainian candidates ahead of the 2027 presidential election. Will it work?