Bastian Herre
@bastianherre.bsky.social
Politics & Society Lead @ourworldindata.org. I make research on democracy, human rights, and conflict easier to access and understand. he/him
Check out my work: https://ourworldindata.org/team/bastian-herre
Check out my work: https://ourworldindata.org/team/bastian-herre
Pinned
Several countries have recently managed to stop and even reverse the erosion of their democratic institutions.
In each case, people resisted growing authoritarianism.
This shows that when democracy deteriorates, its fate is not sealed, and democratic institutions can be reclaimed.
In each case, people resisted growing authoritarianism.
This shows that when democracy deteriorates, its fate is not sealed, and democratic institutions can be reclaimed.
Reposted by Bastian Herre
Paths to Power (PtP) is out in @bjpols.bsky.social! It is a database with data on cabinet members' social profile globally from 1966-2021.
This is a great team effort with @chknutsen.bsky.social, @peterla.bsky.social, @inalkristiansen.bsky.social. But many more helped us along the way 🙏
A short 🧵
This is a great team effort with @chknutsen.bsky.social, @peterla.bsky.social, @inalkristiansen.bsky.social. But many more helped us along the way 🙏
A short 🧵
Paths to Power: A New Dataset on the Social Profile of Governments | British Journal of Political Science | Cambridge Core
Paths to Power: A New Dataset on the Social Profile of Governments - Volume 55
www.cambridge.org
October 20, 2025 at 1:52 PM
Paths to Power (PtP) is out in @bjpols.bsky.social! It is a database with data on cabinet members' social profile globally from 1966-2021.
This is a great team effort with @chknutsen.bsky.social, @peterla.bsky.social, @inalkristiansen.bsky.social. But many more helped us along the way 🙏
A short 🧵
This is a great team effort with @chknutsen.bsky.social, @peterla.bsky.social, @inalkristiansen.bsky.social. But many more helped us along the way 🙏
A short 🧵
Reposted by Bastian Herre
🚨 out at @apsrjournal.bsky.social 🚨
➡️ We ran a large media literacy experiment to fight misinformation
➡️ 13,500 students, 583 villages in Bihar, India
➡️Created custom misinfo curriculum of 4 months
➡️Partnered w the government to roll it out as an official course in classrooms
hopeful findings👇🏽
➡️ We ran a large media literacy experiment to fight misinformation
➡️ 13,500 students, 583 villages in Bihar, India
➡️Created custom misinfo curriculum of 4 months
➡️Partnered w the government to roll it out as an official course in classrooms
hopeful findings👇🏽
October 15, 2025 at 3:33 PM
🚨 out at @apsrjournal.bsky.social 🚨
➡️ We ran a large media literacy experiment to fight misinformation
➡️ 13,500 students, 583 villages in Bihar, India
➡️Created custom misinfo curriculum of 4 months
➡️Partnered w the government to roll it out as an official course in classrooms
hopeful findings👇🏽
➡️ We ran a large media literacy experiment to fight misinformation
➡️ 13,500 students, 583 villages in Bihar, India
➡️Created custom misinfo curriculum of 4 months
➡️Partnered w the government to roll it out as an official course in classrooms
hopeful findings👇🏽
Reposted by Bastian Herre
First instalment of my substack primer on right-wing populism in Europe is out.
jacobedenhofer.substack.com/p/explaining...
jacobedenhofer.substack.com/p/explaining...
Explaining the emergence and consolidation of right-wing populism: Part I
Stylised facts, or what has actually happened?
jacobedenhofer.substack.com
April 7, 2025 at 8:15 AM
First instalment of my substack primer on right-wing populism in Europe is out.
jacobedenhofer.substack.com/p/explaining...
jacobedenhofer.substack.com/p/explaining...
This is a fun short post by @global-developments.org:
It may seem as if Chinese households consume less than people in other countries with similar income levels.
But that might be instead because the country’s data overstates both inflation and GDP:
www.global-developments.org/p/does-china...
It may seem as if Chinese households consume less than people in other countries with similar income levels.
But that might be instead because the country’s data overstates both inflation and GDP:
www.global-developments.org/p/does-china...
Does China Underconsume?
Misadventures in Alternative Data
www.global-developments.org
September 19, 2025 at 3:22 PM
This is a fun short post by @global-developments.org:
It may seem as if Chinese households consume less than people in other countries with similar income levels.
But that might be instead because the country’s data overstates both inflation and GDP:
www.global-developments.org/p/does-china...
It may seem as if Chinese households consume less than people in other countries with similar income levels.
But that might be instead because the country’s data overstates both inflation and GDP:
www.global-developments.org/p/does-china...
Reposted by Bastian Herre
In February, the US gov shut down the Demographic & Health Surveys.
It was the only data source on maternal & child health, births, household structure in many countries – making it crucial for research.
In a new article I explain why it should be rescued.
ourworldindata.org/demographic-...
It was the only data source on maternal & child health, births, household structure in many countries – making it crucial for research.
In a new article I explain why it should be rescued.
ourworldindata.org/demographic-...
July 21, 2025 at 7:18 AM
In February, the US gov shut down the Demographic & Health Surveys.
It was the only data source on maternal & child health, births, household structure in many countries – making it crucial for research.
In a new article I explain why it should be rescued.
ourworldindata.org/demographic-...
It was the only data source on maternal & child health, births, household structure in many countries – making it crucial for research.
In a new article I explain why it should be rescued.
ourworldindata.org/demographic-...
Reposted by Bastian Herre
Been a busy year in the data mines.📊 Just published my mid-year roundup: 29 data visualizations on the state of US democracy, tracking everything from judicial resistance to billionaire influence to why Dems have a mobilization crisis, not a moderation problem.
All charts free to use:
All charts free to use:
On Data and Democracy (Mid-Year Roundup): Charting the Assault on American Democracy and A Path Forward
A narrative of a democracy in the balance, told through 29 data visualizations.
open.substack.com
July 19, 2025 at 3:44 PM
Been a busy year in the data mines.📊 Just published my mid-year roundup: 29 data visualizations on the state of US democracy, tracking everything from judicial resistance to billionaire influence to why Dems have a mobilization crisis, not a moderation problem.
All charts free to use:
All charts free to use:
Cool that @economist.com surveyed Brits about what they cared most about, and then put together indicators to track how the current government is doing on those issues!
www.economist.com/interactive/...
www.economist.com/interactive/...
How is Britain doing under Keir Starmer?
Our monthly tracker shows whether Labour is meeting expectations
www.economist.com
July 18, 2025 at 5:49 PM
Cool that @economist.com surveyed Brits about what they cared most about, and then put together indicators to track how the current government is doing on those issues!
www.economist.com/interactive/...
www.economist.com/interactive/...
Reposted by Bastian Herre
Famines kill far fewer people today than they did in the past, but remain a major threat—
Famines are still a major global problem. From 2020 to 2023 alone, they caused over a million deaths.
Yet the long-term trend shows significant progress.
Famines are still a major global problem. From 2020 to 2023 alone, they caused over a million deaths.
Yet the long-term trend shows significant progress.
May 21, 2025 at 12:36 PM
Famines kill far fewer people today than they did in the past, but remain a major threat—
Famines are still a major global problem. From 2020 to 2023 alone, they caused over a million deaths.
Yet the long-term trend shows significant progress.
Famines are still a major global problem. From 2020 to 2023 alone, they caused over a million deaths.
Yet the long-term trend shows significant progress.
How can we tell a country is not a democracy (anymore)?
One way of looking at it:
When people are punished for peacefully opposing those in power — when they have to worry about publishing critical opinions, supporting opposition candidates, or protesting.
www.nytimes.com/2025/05/08/o...
One way of looking at it:
When people are punished for peacefully opposing those in power — when they have to worry about publishing critical opinions, supporting opposition candidates, or protesting.
www.nytimes.com/2025/05/08/o...
Opinion | How Will We Know When We Have Lost Our Democracy?
And how exactly can we tell whether America has crossed the line?
www.nytimes.com
May 15, 2025 at 12:26 PM
How can we tell a country is not a democracy (anymore)?
One way of looking at it:
When people are punished for peacefully opposing those in power — when they have to worry about publishing critical opinions, supporting opposition candidates, or protesting.
www.nytimes.com/2025/05/08/o...
One way of looking at it:
When people are punished for peacefully opposing those in power — when they have to worry about publishing critical opinions, supporting opposition candidates, or protesting.
www.nytimes.com/2025/05/08/o...
Reposted by Bastian Herre
How do the rights of LGBT+ people vary across the world? 🧵
The first map shows the nearly 40 countries that allow same-sex partners to marry, affirming their right to love and form a family. However, the majority of countries don’t recognize same-sex marriage, or outright ban it.
The first map shows the nearly 40 countries that allow same-sex partners to marry, affirming their right to love and form a family. However, the majority of countries don’t recognize same-sex marriage, or outright ban it.
May 8, 2025 at 10:56 AM
How do the rights of LGBT+ people vary across the world? 🧵
The first map shows the nearly 40 countries that allow same-sex partners to marry, affirming their right to love and form a family. However, the majority of countries don’t recognize same-sex marriage, or outright ban it.
The first map shows the nearly 40 countries that allow same-sex partners to marry, affirming their right to love and form a family. However, the majority of countries don’t recognize same-sex marriage, or outright ban it.
Reposted by Bastian Herre
The key chart right now:
Usually US economic pain is cushioned by falling bond yields and a strengthening dollar, which mean lower interest rates and more spending power for consumers.
This time we’re seeing the opposite, meaning the pain will be amplified.
Usually US economic pain is cushioned by falling bond yields and a strengthening dollar, which mean lower interest rates and more spending power for consumers.
This time we’re seeing the opposite, meaning the pain will be amplified.
April 22, 2025 at 1:41 PM
The key chart right now:
Usually US economic pain is cushioned by falling bond yields and a strengthening dollar, which mean lower interest rates and more spending power for consumers.
This time we’re seeing the opposite, meaning the pain will be amplified.
Usually US economic pain is cushioned by falling bond yields and a strengthening dollar, which mean lower interest rates and more spending power for consumers.
This time we’re seeing the opposite, meaning the pain will be amplified.
Reposted by Bastian Herre
How many people died in large famines over the past 150 years?
📊 We've updated the data in many of our charts on famine, including a big update from the World Peace Foundation (@worldpeacefdtn.bsky.social).
This update was led on our team by @bastianherre.bsky.social and Veronika Samborska.
📊 We've updated the data in many of our charts on famine, including a big update from the World Peace Foundation (@worldpeacefdtn.bsky.social).
This update was led on our team by @bastianherre.bsky.social and Veronika Samborska.
April 17, 2025 at 11:12 AM
How many people died in large famines over the past 150 years?
📊 We've updated the data in many of our charts on famine, including a big update from the World Peace Foundation (@worldpeacefdtn.bsky.social).
This update was led on our team by @bastianherre.bsky.social and Veronika Samborska.
📊 We've updated the data in many of our charts on famine, including a big update from the World Peace Foundation (@worldpeacefdtn.bsky.social).
This update was led on our team by @bastianherre.bsky.social and Veronika Samborska.
Several countries have recently managed to stop and even reverse the erosion of their democratic institutions.
In each case, people resisted growing authoritarianism.
This shows that when democracy deteriorates, its fate is not sealed, and democratic institutions can be reclaimed.
In each case, people resisted growing authoritarianism.
This shows that when democracy deteriorates, its fate is not sealed, and democratic institutions can be reclaimed.
April 1, 2025 at 10:55 AM
Several countries have recently managed to stop and even reverse the erosion of their democratic institutions.
In each case, people resisted growing authoritarianism.
This shows that when democracy deteriorates, its fate is not sealed, and democratic institutions can be reclaimed.
In each case, people resisted growing authoritarianism.
This shows that when democracy deteriorates, its fate is not sealed, and democratic institutions can be reclaimed.
Reposted by Bastian Herre
Chart of cumulative protests reported from Jan 22 - Feb 28, 2017 vs 2025:
March 19, 2025 at 6:02 PM
Chart of cumulative protests reported from Jan 22 - Feb 28, 2017 vs 2025:
Reposted by Bastian Herre
Estimates by @charlesjkenny.bsky.social @justsand.bsky.social:
US foreign aid likely prevents 2.3 to 5.6 million deaths annually, largely in Africa.
And that a complete disruption would result in over 4000 lives lost per day.
US foreign aid likely prevents 2.3 to 5.6 million deaths annually, largely in Africa.
And that a complete disruption would result in over 4000 lives lost per day.
March 15, 2025 at 4:20 PM
Estimates by @charlesjkenny.bsky.social @justsand.bsky.social:
US foreign aid likely prevents 2.3 to 5.6 million deaths annually, largely in Africa.
And that a complete disruption would result in over 4000 lives lost per day.
US foreign aid likely prevents 2.3 to 5.6 million deaths annually, largely in Africa.
And that a complete disruption would result in over 4000 lives lost per day.
Reposted by Bastian Herre
The last paragraph of my new article, Voting in Authoritarian Elections. We first wrote these words in 2019.
March 14, 2025 at 12:36 PM
The last paragraph of my new article, Voting in Authoritarian Elections. We first wrote these words in 2019.
More than 80% of countries vote, but less than 40% do so freely and fairly.
Most countries grant their citizens the right to vote and have multi-party elections for parliament and government.
But many fewer countries have genuinely competitive elections and freedoms of expression and association.
Most countries grant their citizens the right to vote and have multi-party elections for parliament and government.
But many fewer countries have genuinely competitive elections and freedoms of expression and association.
March 5, 2025 at 8:54 AM
More than 80% of countries vote, but less than 40% do so freely and fairly.
Most countries grant their citizens the right to vote and have multi-party elections for parliament and government.
But many fewer countries have genuinely competitive elections and freedoms of expression and association.
Most countries grant their citizens the right to vote and have multi-party elections for parliament and government.
But many fewer countries have genuinely competitive elections and freedoms of expression and association.
Very thoughtful by @mashagessen.bsky.social on why people self-censor and obey — concern for others, a supposed higher purpose, picking one's battles, if-I-don’t-do-it-someone-else-will, the zeitgeist — and why one shouldn't do it.
www.nytimes.com/2025/02/08/o...
www.nytimes.com/2025/02/08/o...
Opinion | The Chilling Consequences of Going Along With Trump
The voluntarily surrender of the public’s power is how autocracies are built.
www.nytimes.com
March 3, 2025 at 6:13 PM
Very thoughtful by @mashagessen.bsky.social on why people self-censor and obey — concern for others, a supposed higher purpose, picking one's battles, if-I-don’t-do-it-someone-else-will, the zeitgeist — and why one shouldn't do it.
www.nytimes.com/2025/02/08/o...
www.nytimes.com/2025/02/08/o...
This is a good brief overview of the recent rise of hard-right parties in Europe, which have recently attracted more votes than conservative and social-democratic parties:
www.economist.com/graphic-deta...
www.economist.com/graphic-deta...
Hard-right parties are now Europe’s most popular
But our number crunching shows that they have mostly been kept out of power
www.economist.com
March 3, 2025 at 2:59 PM
This is a good brief overview of the recent rise of hard-right parties in Europe, which have recently attracted more votes than conservative and social-democratic parties:
www.economist.com/graphic-deta...
www.economist.com/graphic-deta...
Reposted by Bastian Herre
🚨New paper alert!🚨 @anthlittle.bsky.social and I are excited to share “Presidential Election Concessions.” We present a new global dataset on concessions in presidential elections in all countries worldwide from 1980 to 2024 /1
February 26, 2025 at 10:01 PM
🚨New paper alert!🚨 @anthlittle.bsky.social and I are excited to share “Presidential Election Concessions.” We present a new global dataset on concessions in presidential elections in all countries worldwide from 1980 to 2024 /1
Reposted by Bastian Herre
☢️ I've collected 800+ resources for those working on WMD issues in my "LearnWMD Spreadsheet"
learnwmd.wixsite.com/learnwmd/the...
Recently, I've gone through and updated all links & information. I've also broken out the OSINT resources into their own tab.
Be sure to check it out!
learnwmd.wixsite.com/learnwmd/the...
Recently, I've gone through and updated all links & information. I've also broken out the OSINT resources into their own tab.
Be sure to check it out!
The Spreadsheet | learnwmd
learnwmd.wixsite.com
February 24, 2025 at 9:32 PM
☢️ I've collected 800+ resources for those working on WMD issues in my "LearnWMD Spreadsheet"
learnwmd.wixsite.com/learnwmd/the...
Recently, I've gone through and updated all links & information. I've also broken out the OSINT resources into their own tab.
Be sure to check it out!
learnwmd.wixsite.com/learnwmd/the...
Recently, I've gone through and updated all links & information. I've also broken out the OSINT resources into their own tab.
Be sure to check it out!
Reposted by Bastian Herre
How could @ourworldindata.org maps be better?
Do you experience any annoyances or pain points when you interact with our maps?
Is there something you wish you could do that you currently can’t?
What’s the next cool thing we could build on top of our maps?
Any notes welcome! Thank you 🙏
Do you experience any annoyances or pain points when you interact with our maps?
Is there something you wish you could do that you currently can’t?
What’s the next cool thing we could build on top of our maps?
Any notes welcome! Thank you 🙏
GDP per capita
This data is adjusted for inflation and for differences in living costs between countries.
ourworldindata.org
February 21, 2025 at 9:35 AM
How could @ourworldindata.org maps be better?
Do you experience any annoyances or pain points when you interact with our maps?
Is there something you wish you could do that you currently can’t?
What’s the next cool thing we could build on top of our maps?
Any notes welcome! Thank you 🙏
Do you experience any annoyances or pain points when you interact with our maps?
Is there something you wish you could do that you currently can’t?
What’s the next cool thing we could build on top of our maps?
Any notes welcome! Thank you 🙏
Reposted by Bastian Herre
Dishonest charts are coming from all directions, and they're only going to hit harder. Unless we push back. So, an interactive guide: Defense Against Dishonest Charts flowingdata.com/projects/dis...
Defense Against Dishonest Charts
This is a guide to protect ourselves and to preserve what is good about turning data into visual things.
flowingdata.com
February 13, 2025 at 9:45 PM
Dishonest charts are coming from all directions, and they're only going to hit harder. Unless we push back. So, an interactive guide: Defense Against Dishonest Charts flowingdata.com/projects/dis...
Reposted by Bastian Herre
There has been a lot of debate over whether long-term trends of political trust reveal decline or 'trendless fluctuation'. We find while there are important differences between countries and global regions, trust in representative institutions (government, legislatures, parties) has been falling.
February 12, 2025 at 9:59 PM
There has been a lot of debate over whether long-term trends of political trust reveal decline or 'trendless fluctuation'. We find while there are important differences between countries and global regions, trust in representative institutions (government, legislatures, parties) has been falling.
I look at democracy data for a living, and the US indeed seems to be in a constitutional crisis right now - but this move by Polity makes me take it less seriously, not more.
Here’s why:
Here’s why:
If you've ever used the Polity data, read this from Monty Marshall.
tl;dr Polity is coding recent US events as an executive self-coup and an adverse regime change.
tl;dr Polity is coding recent US events as an executive self-coup and an adverse regime change.
February 12, 2025 at 7:14 PM
I look at democracy data for a living, and the US indeed seems to be in a constitutional crisis right now - but this move by Polity makes me take it less seriously, not more.
Here’s why:
Here’s why: