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Diamonstein-Spielvogel Project on the Future of Democracy

Democratic government has been regressing across the globe for more than a decade. Even the United States, the world’s oldest continuous democracy, has seen its democratic norms and practices eroded by rising inequality, populism, political polarization, institutional decay, and misinformation. Other current democracies teeter on the verge of becoming autocracies, potentially producing tectonic shifts in global power and exacerbating economic inequality and social tensions. And the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated many of these trends.


The Diamonstein-Spielvogel Project on the Future of Democracy at the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) aims to identify threats to the health of democracies around the globe and to recommend steps that policymakers, business leaders, civil society organizations, and citizens can take to reverse the erosion of democratic norms and values.

This project is made possible by the generous support of the Diamonstein-Spielvogel Foundation.

All CFR Work on Democracy
To see all work on democracy from the Council on Foreign Relations, please click here.

Featured

Peru

Peru’s Anti-Law Enforcement Turn Is a Threat to Regional Stability Link

with Will Freeman via Americas Quarterly August 26, 2024

Venezuela

In Venezuela, the Latin American Left Will Show Us What it Really Stands For
The presidents of Brazil, Colombia, and Mexico must constrain Maduro to negotiate—for their own good.

Blog Post by Will Freeman August 9, 2024 Latin America’s Moment

Bangladesh

What's Next For Bangladesh After Sheikh Hasina's Resignation
The military must promptly hold elections to ensure Bangladesh’s democratic future. 

Blog Post by Joshua Kurlantzick August 6, 2024 Asia Unbound

Asia Program

How Protests Ousted Sheikh Hasina
After an escalating round of protests in Bangladesh in recent months, longtime leader Sheikh Hasina, who had fought back many prior demonstrations, has resigned and left Bangladesh. 

Blog Post by Joshua Kurlantzick August 5, 2024 Asia Unbound

Election 2024

Election 2024: Who Will Kamala Harris Select as Her Running Mate?
Each Friday, I look at what the presidential contenders are saying about foreign policy. This Week: Who Kamala Harris chooses as her running mate could tip the outcome of the presidential race. 

Blog Post by James M. Lindsay August 2, 2024 The Water's Edge

India

The Future of Democracy in India

Indian voters signaled they want change, but achieving change requires restoring democratic practices.

Article by Linda Robinson August 1, 2024 Women Around the World

Bangladesh

Slowing Protests Reveal Deep-Rooted Political Challenges in Bangladesh
Violent protests in Dhaka may have subsided, but Bangladeshis’ underlying grievances have not.

Article by Joshua Kurlantzick July 29, 2024 Asia Unbound

Venezuela

This Is How Maduro Could Lose Control
Autocrats have fumbled rigged elections in the past. Here’s why Venezuela’s might be next.

Blog Post by Will Freeman July 22, 2024 Latin America’s Moment

Election 2024

Trump Assassination Attempt Poses New Test for U.S. Democracy
After a shooting that injured former President Donald Trump and killed a spectator at a campaign rally, leaders of both parties must unite behind efforts to calm and stabilize the political climate.

Expert Brief by Jacob Ware July 14, 2024 National Security and Defense Program

Latin America

In Latin America, Your Zip Code—Not Just Your Nationality—Determines Whether You Live in a Democracy
Many big cities are doing well, but in flyover country organized crime and corruption often smother democracy.

Article by Will Freeman July 9, 2024 Diamonstein-Spielvogel Project on the Future of Democracy

Mexico

For Sheinbaum, a Security Challenge in AMLO's Home State Link

with Will Freeman via Americas Quarterly July 1, 2024

Program Experts

Elliott Abrams

Senior Fellow for Middle Eastern Studies

Max Boot

Jeane J. Kirkpatrick Senior Fellow for National Security Studies

Steven A. Cook

Eni Enrico Mattei Senior Fellow for Middle East and Africa Studies and Director of the International Affairs Fellowship for Tenured International Relations Scholars

Liana Fix

Fellow for Europe

Will Freeman

Fellow for Latin America Studies

Thomas Graham

Distinguished Fellow

Yanzhong Huang

Senior Fellow for Global Health

Miles Kahler

Senior Fellow for Global Governance

Joshua Kurlantzick

Senior Fellow for Southeast Asia and South Asia

Steven Levitsky

Senior Fellow for Democracy

James M. Lindsay

Mary and David Boies Distinguished Senior Fellow in U.S. Foreign Policy and Director of Fellowship Affairs

Matthias Matthijs

Senior Fellow for Europe

Shannon K. O'Neil

Senior Vice President, Director of Studies, and Maurice R. Greenberg Chair

Linda Robinson

Senior Fellow for Women and Foreign Policy

Gideon Rose

Adjunct Senior Fellow

David Sacks

Fellow for Asia Studies

David J. Scheffer

Senior Fellow

Timothy Snyder

Senior Fellow for Democracy

José Miguel Vivanco

Adjunct Senior Fellow for Human Rights

Jacob Ware

Research Fellow

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