Jessica Ludwig
@jesludwig.bsky.social
Fellow, Global Policy at the George W. Bush Institute. Previously at the National Endowment for Democracy's International Forum for Democratic Studies. Advancing freedom and democracy globally while confronting authoritarian regimes.
Today's elections in Tanzania will most assuredly not be free nor fair while #TunduLissu faces trial for treason and other major opposition leaders have been blocked from running. My latest for the George W. Bush Presidential Center: www.bushcenter.org/publications...
The Struggle for Freedom: Tanzanian opposition leader Lissu faces treason charges after calling for election reform | George W. Bush Presidential Center
www.bushcenter.org
October 29, 2025 at 2:37 PM
Today's elections in Tanzania will most assuredly not be free nor fair while #TunduLissu faces trial for treason and other major opposition leaders have been blocked from running. My latest for the George W. Bush Presidential Center: www.bushcenter.org/publications...
The Taliban's ongoing attempts to restrict internet access in Afghanistan may no longer be in the headlines, but the world cannot afford to overlook that the Taliban appear to be following their 1990s blueprint. My latest w/ Natalie Gonnella-Platts @thediplomat.com thediplomat.com/2025/10/rest...
Restricting Internet Access Is the Taliban’s Latest Ploy to Cut off Afghanistan’s Most Vulnerable
Human suffering and unchallenged radicalization open the door for a security crisis of cataclysmic reach.
thediplomat.com
October 27, 2025 at 6:50 PM
The Taliban's ongoing attempts to restrict internet access in Afghanistan may no longer be in the headlines, but the world cannot afford to overlook that the Taliban appear to be following their 1990s blueprint. My latest w/ Natalie Gonnella-Platts @thediplomat.com thediplomat.com/2025/10/rest...
This Thur. 10/23 I'm looking forward to speaking on the panel "Recovering Soft Power in Hard (Power) Times" as part of @depauluniversity.bsky.social Grace School of Applied Diplomacy online conference alongside @scwinkler.bsky.social
and Nicholas J. Cull. RSVP: depaul.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_...
and Nicholas J. Cull. RSVP: depaul.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_...
October 20, 2025 at 6:19 PM
This Thur. 10/23 I'm looking forward to speaking on the panel "Recovering Soft Power in Hard (Power) Times" as part of @depauluniversity.bsky.social Grace School of Applied Diplomacy online conference alongside @scwinkler.bsky.social
and Nicholas J. Cull. RSVP: depaul.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_...
and Nicholas J. Cull. RSVP: depaul.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_...
Last week, Belarusian blogger Ihar Losik
@rferl.org.web.brid.gy was freed after 5 years of unjust detention. There are still 10 USAGM journalists held by authoritarian regimes in Azerbaijan, Burma, Iran, Russia and Vietnam #StruggleforFreedom www.bushcenter.org/publications...
@rferl.org.web.brid.gy was freed after 5 years of unjust detention. There are still 10 USAGM journalists held by authoritarian regimes in Azerbaijan, Burma, Iran, Russia and Vietnam #StruggleforFreedom www.bushcenter.org/publications...
Struggle for Freedom update: Radio Free Liberty/Radio Europe’s Losik freed after five years in Belarus jail | George W. Bush Presidential Center
www.bushcenter.org
September 17, 2025 at 7:13 PM
Last week, Belarusian blogger Ihar Losik
@rferl.org.web.brid.gy was freed after 5 years of unjust detention. There are still 10 USAGM journalists held by authoritarian regimes in Azerbaijan, Burma, Iran, Russia and Vietnam #StruggleforFreedom www.bushcenter.org/publications...
@rferl.org.web.brid.gy was freed after 5 years of unjust detention. There are still 10 USAGM journalists held by authoritarian regimes in Azerbaijan, Burma, Iran, Russia and Vietnam #StruggleforFreedom www.bushcenter.org/publications...
Today marks four years of arbitrary detention for Javier Tarazona after denouncing human rights abuses in Venezuela's border states where organized crime and irregular armed groups are active. Read his story in our #StruggleforFreedom series #LiberenaJavierTarazona www.bushcenter.org/publications...
The Struggle for Freedom: Imprisoned educator Javier Tarazona dreams of dignity for all Venezuelans | George W. Bush Presidential Center
www.bushcenter.org
July 2, 2025 at 7:23 PM
Today marks four years of arbitrary detention for Javier Tarazona after denouncing human rights abuses in Venezuela's border states where organized crime and irregular armed groups are active. Read his story in our #StruggleforFreedom series #LiberenaJavierTarazona www.bushcenter.org/publications...
We must remain clear-eyed about the global security risks posed by the reality on the ground in Afghanistan, where ordinary Afghans are daily subjected to tyranny of the Taliban's corruption, extremism & misogyny. My latest w/
colleague Natalie Gonnella-Platts nationalinterest.org/feature/dist...
colleague Natalie Gonnella-Platts nationalinterest.org/feature/dist...
Distinguishing Friend from Foe in Afghanistan
We must acknowledge that the Taliban’s extremism, corruption, and brutality pose a global security threat with far-reaching implications.
nationalinterest.org
June 4, 2025 at 7:30 PM
We must remain clear-eyed about the global security risks posed by the reality on the ground in Afghanistan, where ordinary Afghans are daily subjected to tyranny of the Taliban's corruption, extremism & misogyny. My latest w/
colleague Natalie Gonnella-Platts nationalinterest.org/feature/dist...
colleague Natalie Gonnella-Platts nationalinterest.org/feature/dist...
As long as Afghanistan remains under Taliban control, it will never be a safe place. Most especially for Afghan women, but also for Afghans who believed in a different future for their country and worked alongside the US and NATO allies. www.bushcenter.org/publications...
We must fight for our Afghan allies | George W. Bush Presidential Center
www.bushcenter.org
May 14, 2025 at 5:18 PM
As long as Afghanistan remains under Taliban control, it will never be a safe place. Most especially for Afghan women, but also for Afghans who believed in a different future for their country and worked alongside the US and NATO allies. www.bushcenter.org/publications...
If Congress and the administration are serious about holding Cuba's dictatorship to account for regional instability, State Dept. funds for Cuban civil society and freedom advocates should be restored, esp. as Havana rearrests #FelixNavarro and #JoseDanielFerrer www.miamiherald.com/opinion/op-e...
U.S. program paused under Trump helped independent voices tell the truth in Cuba | Opinion
Pausing funds for Cuban democracy activists risks strengthening the island’s dictatorship | Opinion
www.miamiherald.com
April 30, 2025 at 6:07 PM
If Congress and the administration are serious about holding Cuba's dictatorship to account for regional instability, State Dept. funds for Cuban civil society and freedom advocates should be restored, esp. as Havana rearrests #FelixNavarro and #JoseDanielFerrer www.miamiherald.com/opinion/op-e...
Russia's claim to be defending religious freedom in Ukraine couldn't be further from the truth. Ukrainian pastors and faith leaders in occupied territories have been systematically targeted by Russian soldiers. Read on about one pastor's Struggle for Freedom: www.bushcenter.org/publications...
Faith in the face of Russian repression: Ukrainian pastor Mykhailo Brytsyn | George W. Bush Presidential Center
www.bushcenter.org
April 23, 2025 at 3:12 PM
Russia's claim to be defending religious freedom in Ukraine couldn't be further from the truth. Ukrainian pastors and faith leaders in occupied territories have been systematically targeted by Russian soldiers. Read on about one pastor's Struggle for Freedom: www.bushcenter.org/publications...
The Taliban continue to provide safe haven to terrorists, steal from the Afghan people, and impose severe restrictions on women and girls in defiance of international commitments. We should hold the Taliban accountable, not engage them, writes my colleague. thediplomat.com/2025/04/amer...
American Leaders Should Hold the Taliban Accountable, Not Engage With Them
It’s past time for the U.S. and the international community to use the tools at their disposal – such as expanding targeted sanctions – to hold the Taliban to account.
thediplomat.com
April 10, 2025 at 9:32 PM
The Taliban continue to provide safe haven to terrorists, steal from the Afghan people, and impose severe restrictions on women and girls in defiance of international commitments. We should hold the Taliban accountable, not engage them, writes my colleague. thediplomat.com/2025/04/amer...
For decades, VOA, RFE/RL, RFA, and the other US-funded international media have been a light in some of the world's darkest places. My colleagues recount how US-supported int'l media inspired hope, fueled freedom, and cultivated allies in societies under repression www.bushcenter.org/publications...
March 21, 2025 at 8:43 PM
For decades, VOA, RFE/RL, RFA, and the other US-funded international media have been a light in some of the world's darkest places. My colleagues recount how US-supported int'l media inspired hope, fueled freedom, and cultivated allies in societies under repression www.bushcenter.org/publications...
Hong Kong's authorities are dragging out legal proceedings against businessman and freedom advocate Jimmy Lai to send a message on behalf of Beijing that democratic activism in Hong Kong will not be tolerated. #FreeJimmyLai #StruggleforFreedom update www.bushcenter.org/publications...
Struggle for Freedom UPDATE: Jimmy Lai’s ongoing show trial in Hong Kong | George W. Bush Presidential Center
www.bushcenter.org
March 6, 2025 at 5:06 PM
Hong Kong's authorities are dragging out legal proceedings against businessman and freedom advocate Jimmy Lai to send a message on behalf of Beijing that democratic activism in Hong Kong will not be tolerated. #FreeJimmyLai #StruggleforFreedom update www.bushcenter.org/publications...
"It’s no coincidence that the world’s most volatile global hot spots are nondemocratic." The National Endowment for Democracy invests in those around the world who fight for the same innate desire for freedom that Americans cherish and our adversaries fear. www.nationalreview.com/2025/02/amer...
America’s Enemies Are Rooting for the Death of the National Endowment for Democracy | National Review
Some of the loudest voices applauding NED’s struggles are those who wish to see freedom fail. That should tell us everything we need to know.
www.nationalreview.com
February 26, 2025 at 3:37 PM
"It’s no coincidence that the world’s most volatile global hot spots are nondemocratic." The National Endowment for Democracy invests in those around the world who fight for the same innate desire for freedom that Americans cherish and our adversaries fear. www.nationalreview.com/2025/02/amer...
🚨 A dire situation for 5 members of Venezuela's democratic opposition staff who have sought refuge in #Argentina's embassy in Caracas (protected by #Brazil) and are under siege by the Maduro regime. Three days without power and supply deliveries severely restricted. www.forum2000.cz/en/news/arge...
Argentine Embassy in Caracas Left Without Power – Asylum Seekers in Dange
Forum 2000 stands in deep concern over the worsening humanitarian and diplomatic crisis unfolding at the Argentine Embassy in Caracas, Venezuela. We have been monitoring alarming reports from local CS...
www.forum2000.cz
February 21, 2025 at 3:45 PM
🚨 A dire situation for 5 members of Venezuela's democratic opposition staff who have sought refuge in #Argentina's embassy in Caracas (protected by #Brazil) and are under siege by the Maduro regime. Three days without power and supply deliveries severely restricted. www.forum2000.cz/en/news/arge...
Key facts: "This is not a war that Ukraine sought but is the result of having been invaded by Russia...the dictator in this war is Putin, who has been in power 2.5 decades, not Zelensky, who was democratically elected president of his country in 2019." foreignpolicy.com/2025/02/19/t...
Why Trump Is Wrong About Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine
Setting the record straight on who started the war.
foreignpolicy.com
February 19, 2025 at 7:14 PM
Key facts: "This is not a war that Ukraine sought but is the result of having been invaded by Russia...the dictator in this war is Putin, who has been in power 2.5 decades, not Zelensky, who was democratically elected president of his country in 2019." foreignpolicy.com/2025/02/19/t...
Yesterday, Feb. 9 marked one year since Rocio San Miguel, a lawyer and expert on Venezuela's military and security services, was arbitrarily arrested by the Maduro regime. She is still being held in inhumane conditions in El Helicoide. #StruggleforFreedom www.bushcenter.org/publications...
The Struggle for Freedom: Venezuela imprisons Rocío San Miguel, a staunch advocate for peaceful democratic transition | George W. Bush Presidential Center
www.bushcenter.org
February 10, 2025 at 8:45 PM
Yesterday, Feb. 9 marked one year since Rocio San Miguel, a lawyer and expert on Venezuela's military and security services, was arbitrarily arrested by the Maduro regime. She is still being held in inhumane conditions in El Helicoide. #StruggleforFreedom www.bushcenter.org/publications...
Taliban leadership are traveling much wider and farther beyond Afghanistan than you might think. My colleagues and I have been tracking the data in our new Taliban Travel Tracker by the George W. Bush Institute to shed light on who is traveling where www.bushcenter.org/publications...
Taliban Travel Tracker | George W. Bush Presidential Center
www.bushcenter.org
January 27, 2025 at 9:32 PM
Taliban leadership are traveling much wider and farther beyond Afghanistan than you might think. My colleagues and I have been tracking the data in our new Taliban Travel Tracker by the George W. Bush Institute to shed light on who is traveling where www.bushcenter.org/publications...
The US should lead on strengthening democracy and the rule of law in the Western Hemisphere because we can't secure our borders without combating corruption, authoritarianism, and organized crime in the region. My latest, with Bush Institute colleague Laura Collins www.bushcenter.org/publications...
Tackling Migration | George W. Bush Presidential Center
www.bushcenter.org
January 14, 2025 at 10:31 PM
The US should lead on strengthening democracy and the rule of law in the Western Hemisphere because we can't secure our borders without combating corruption, authoritarianism, and organized crime in the region. My latest, with Bush Institute colleague Laura Collins www.bushcenter.org/publications...
Egyptian human rights defender Marwa Arafa has spent 4+ years in pretrial detention for aiding political prisoners & their families. In prison, Arafa faces the same suffering she worked to alleviate, @ellenbork.bsky.social for the Bush Institute #StruggleforFreedom www.bushcenter.org/publications...
Marwa Arafa: An Egyptian jailed for helping political prisoners and their families survive | George W. Bush Presidential Center
www.bushcenter.org
December 20, 2024 at 7:53 PM
Egyptian human rights defender Marwa Arafa has spent 4+ years in pretrial detention for aiding political prisoners & their families. In prison, Arafa faces the same suffering she worked to alleviate, @ellenbork.bsky.social for the Bush Institute #StruggleforFreedom www.bushcenter.org/publications...
While Mexico's so-called judicial reform has received much attention, a recent vote by its Senate to shut down
INAI and several other independent regulatory bodies poses yet another challenge to the integrity and transparency of Mexico's democracy www.bushcenter.org/publications...
INAI and several other independent regulatory bodies poses yet another challenge to the integrity and transparency of Mexico's democracy www.bushcenter.org/publications...
Access to information is dealt a blow in Mexico | George W. Bush Presidential Center
www.bushcenter.org
December 20, 2024 at 5:23 PM
While Mexico's so-called judicial reform has received much attention, a recent vote by its Senate to shut down
INAI and several other independent regulatory bodies poses yet another challenge to the integrity and transparency of Mexico's democracy www.bushcenter.org/publications...
INAI and several other independent regulatory bodies poses yet another challenge to the integrity and transparency of Mexico's democracy www.bushcenter.org/publications...
Autocratic regimes target women because they are community change agents. But Iranian human rights activist Narges Mohammadi remains firm in her struggle for #WomenLifeFreedom in Iran despite soon facing a return to prison following a 21 day medical furlough: www.bushcenter.org/publications...
The Struggle for Freedom UPDATE: Iranian Nobel Peace Prize winner granted 21 days medical leave from Evin Prison | George W. Bush Presidential Center
www.bushcenter.org
December 19, 2024 at 5:46 PM
Autocratic regimes target women because they are community change agents. But Iranian human rights activist Narges Mohammadi remains firm in her struggle for #WomenLifeFreedom in Iran despite soon facing a return to prison following a 21 day medical furlough: www.bushcenter.org/publications...
"Ukraine is the place where the battle between democracy and authoritarianism is unfolding, and how we respond will have implications for Taiwan and other hotspots around the world," write my colleagues David Kramer and Igor Khrestin with US policy recs on Ukraine www.bushcenter.org/publications...
Getting Ukraine Right | George W. Bush Presidential Center
www.bushcenter.org
December 10, 2024 at 9:38 PM
"Ukraine is the place where the battle between democracy and authoritarianism is unfolding, and how we respond will have implications for Taiwan and other hotspots around the world," write my colleagues David Kramer and Igor Khrestin with US policy recs on Ukraine www.bushcenter.org/publications...
Support for democracy and human rights around the world is a strategic priority, inextricably linked to the pursuit of America’s national interests writes Ellen Bork for the George W. Bush Institute
www.bushcenter.org/publications...
www.bushcenter.org/publications...
America must win the struggle between democracy and authoritarianism | George W. Bush Presidential Center
www.bushcenter.org
December 4, 2024 at 5:00 PM
Support for democracy and human rights around the world is a strategic priority, inextricably linked to the pursuit of America’s national interests writes Ellen Bork for the George W. Bush Institute
www.bushcenter.org/publications...
www.bushcenter.org/publications...