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Civic space—the fundamental freedoms that allow people to gather, communicate, and take part in groups to influence society and politics—is the bedrock of any democracy. But it is increasingly vulnerable.
Mass protests garner significant attention, but what happens next is just as vital for achieving real and lasting change.
As space for civil society continues to close, the international community must redouble its efforts to defend the right of civic activists to hold governments around the world accountable.
Facing a world in which the White House’s words have lost their weight, Americans will need to reckon with the consequences.
Political violence can’t be predicted perfectly, but there’s a clear risk pattern. Violence is more likely where it has happened before, and the United States has the tinder for political violence.
How the president chooses his words is how he governs. If the White House’s words have lost their meaning, does anyone care?
Polarization is shaking societies across the world, from new democracies to long-established ones. Why are political divisions intensifying globally, and what can policymakers learn from other countries’ experiences?
American polarization has deep roots that have taken decades to grow and strengthen. The United States may look much like many other angry, divided countries, but its brand of polarization raises specific concerns about the future and functioning of its democracy.
Why divisions have deepened and what can be done to heal them.
Getting national legislators more involved in EU affairs could help the European Parliament boost its legitimacy in the eyes of voters.