Journal of Democracy
@jodemocracy.bsky.social
The Journal of Democracy: The smartest analysis on democracy and authoritarianism around the world. Reposts ≠ Endorsement. https://linkin.bio/jodemocracy
A revolution in political participation is underway: Political players and advocacy groups are using AI to draft ballot initiatives, gather signatures, and persuade voters—undermining democratic legitimacy in the process.
The AI Democracy Dilemma | Journal of Democracy
A revolution in political participation is underway: Political players and advocacy groups are using AI to draft ballot initiatives, gather signatures, and persuade voters—undermining democratic…
www.journalofdemocracy.org
February 16, 2026 at 5:00 PM
A revolution in political participation is underway: Political players and advocacy groups are using AI to draft ballot initiatives, gather signatures, and persuade voters—undermining democratic legitimacy in the process.
Brazil did something that few democracies achieve: It convicted a former president of attempting a coup. How did the country’s courts hold would-be autocrat Jair Bolsonaro accountable when so many other coup plotters go unpunished?
How to Bring Authoritarians to Justice | Journal of Democracy
Brazil did something that few democracies achieve: It convicted a former president of attempting a coup. How did the country’s courts hold would-be autocrat Jair Bolsonaro accountable when so many…
www.journalofdemocracy.org
February 16, 2026 at 3:00 PM
Brazil did something that few democracies achieve: It convicted a former president of attempting a coup. How did the country’s courts hold would-be autocrat Jair Bolsonaro accountable when so many other coup plotters go unpunished?
Today, governments can see who buys what, who pays whom, and who donates to which cause. But they cannot easily trace or confiscate Bitcoin. The digital currency offers a lifeline to democratic movements operating in the most repressive places.
Why Bitcoin Is Freedom Money | Journal of Democracy
Today, governments can see who buys what, who pays whom, and who donates to which cause. But they cannot easily trace or confiscate Bitcoin. The digital currency offers a lifeline to democratic…
www.journalofdemocracy.org
February 15, 2026 at 6:00 PM
Today, governments can see who buys what, who pays whom, and who donates to which cause. But they cannot easily trace or confiscate Bitcoin. The digital currency offers a lifeline to democratic movements operating in the most repressive places.
Putting Bangladesh's experimental charter into practice would mean that authorization for constitutional reforms would be "secured at the ballot box, but its operational content [would remain] politically and legislatively mediated."
Will Bangladesh’s Massive Democratic Experiment Work? | Journal of Democracy
The South Asian country is holding an election that will not only set it on a new political path but also reestablish its constitutional order. It’s intricate and carefully designed. But will it work?
www.journalofdemocracy.org
February 15, 2026 at 4:00 PM
Putting Bangladesh's experimental charter into practice would mean that authorization for constitutional reforms would be "secured at the ballot box, but its operational content [would remain] politically and legislatively mediated."
Young people from Peru to Madagascar to Nepal—furious with political elites reaping the spoils of privilege and corruption—are rising up to demand change. But what happens when their movements succeed?
Why Gen-Z Is Rising | Journal of Democracy
Young people from Peru to Madagascar to Nepal—furious with political elites reaping the spoils of privilege and corruption—are rising up to demand change. But what happens when their movements succeed?
www.journalofdemocracy.org
February 15, 2026 at 2:00 PM
Young people from Peru to Madagascar to Nepal—furious with political elites reaping the spoils of privilege and corruption—are rising up to demand change. But what happens when their movements succeed?
U.S. counterterrorism strategy across West Africa is quietly increasing coup risk—here’s how Washington can both better fight terrorism and prevent coups.
African Coups and the Elite-Forces Trap | Journal of Democracy
U.S. counterterrorism strategy across West Africa is quietly increasing coup risk—here’s how Washington can both better fight terrorism and prevent coups.
www.journalofdemocracy.org
February 14, 2026 at 5:00 PM
U.S. counterterrorism strategy across West Africa is quietly increasing coup risk—here’s how Washington can both better fight terrorism and prevent coups.
"There is no figure like Venezuela’s María Corina Machado, around whom Cubans on and off the island can rally. A political force capable of replacing the Cuban state has not cohered."
With Maduro Gone, Is Cuba Ready to Fall? | Journal of Democracy
The Trump administration is ratcheting up the pressure, and the island dictatorship is in deep crisis. But what is the plan for picking up the pieces?
www.journalofdemocracy.org
February 14, 2026 at 4:00 PM
"There is no figure like Venezuela’s María Corina Machado, around whom Cubans on and off the island can rally. A political force capable of replacing the Cuban state has not cohered."
El Journal of Democracy ha traducido al español nuestros artículos recientes sobre Venezuela para nuestra audiencia. Lea a continuación.
Contenido de Venezuela de JoD en español | Journal of Democracy
El Journal of Democracy ha traducido al español nuestros artículos recientes sobre Venezuela para nuestra audiencia. Lea a continuación.
www.journalofdemocracy.org
February 14, 2026 at 3:00 PM
El Journal of Democracy ha traducido al español nuestros artículos recientes sobre Venezuela para nuestra audiencia. Lea a continuación.
The Trump administration is ratcheting up the pressure, and the island dictatorship is in deep crisis. But what is the plan for picking up the pieces?
With Maduro Gone, Is Cuba Ready to Fall? | Journal of Democracy
The Trump administration is ratcheting up the pressure, and the island dictatorship is in deep crisis. But what is the plan for picking up the pieces?
www.journalofdemocracy.org
February 13, 2026 at 7:00 PM
The Trump administration is ratcheting up the pressure, and the island dictatorship is in deep crisis. But what is the plan for picking up the pieces?
"if Cuban authorities’ ability to rally anti-imperialist resistance has diminished, the path from economic immiseration to political transformation remains murky and potentially devastating in humanitarian terms."
With Maduro Gone, Is Cuba Ready to Fall? | Journal of Democracy
The Trump administration is ratcheting up the pressure, and the island dictatorship is in deep crisis. But what is the plan for picking up the pieces?
www.journalofdemocracy.org
February 13, 2026 at 6:00 PM
"if Cuban authorities’ ability to rally anti-imperialist resistance has diminished, the path from economic immiseration to political transformation remains murky and potentially devastating in humanitarian terms."
"Cases from across the globe show that repression, and in particular mass killings, tends to breed intense bitterness toward the perpetrator regime that can last generations." Iran is no exception.
Iran’s Massacres Will Haunt the Regime | Journal of Democracy
Iran’s hardline government responded to nationwide protests with horrific violence, killing thousands of Iranians in a matter of days. There is nothing the regime can offer its people to regain their…
www.journalofdemocracy.org
February 13, 2026 at 5:50 PM
"Cases from across the globe show that repression, and in particular mass killings, tends to breed intense bitterness toward the perpetrator regime that can last generations." Iran is no exception.
Reposted by Journal of Democracy
For @jodemocracy.bsky.social, I pull back the presumptions of inevitability and ask what, if anything, is really this administration's Cuba strategy, what are its blindspots, and what are its likely costs.
www.journalofdemocracy.org/online-exclu...
www.journalofdemocracy.org/online-exclu...
With Maduro Gone, Is Cuba Ready to Fall? | Journal of Democracy
The Trump administration is ratcheting up the pressure, and the island dictatorship is in deep crisis. But what is the plan for picking up the pieces?
www.journalofdemocracy.org
February 13, 2026 at 3:00 PM
For @jodemocracy.bsky.social, I pull back the presumptions of inevitability and ask what, if anything, is really this administration's Cuba strategy, what are its blindspots, and what are its likely costs.
www.journalofdemocracy.org/online-exclu...
www.journalofdemocracy.org/online-exclu...
Bangladesh's election will set the country on a new political path and reestablish its constitutional order. It’s intricate and carefully designed. Will it work?
Will Bangladesh’s Massive Democratic Experiment Work? | Journal of Democracy
The South Asian country is holding an election that will not only set it on a new political path but also reestablish its constitutional order. It’s intricate and carefully designed. But will it work?
www.journalofdemocracy.org
February 13, 2026 at 4:28 PM
Bangladesh's election will set the country on a new political path and reestablish its constitutional order. It’s intricate and carefully designed. Will it work?
With Maduro gone, is Cuba ready to fall?
With Maduro Gone, Is Cuba Ready to Fall? | Journal of Democracy
The Trump administration is ratcheting up the pressure, and the island dictatorship is in deep crisis. But what is the plan for picking up the pieces?
www.journalofdemocracy.org
February 13, 2026 at 4:10 PM
With Maduro gone, is Cuba ready to fall?
Bangladesh's vote today "is, in effect, gambling that accelerated reform can generate durable legitimacy before political consensus fully matures."
Will Bangladesh’s Massive Democratic Experiment Work? | Journal of Democracy
The South Asian country is holding an election that will not only set it on a new political path but also reestablish its constitutional order. It’s intricate and carefully designed. But will it work?
www.journalofdemocracy.org
February 12, 2026 at 8:02 PM
Bangladesh's vote today "is, in effect, gambling that accelerated reform can generate durable legitimacy before political consensus fully matures."
"Those predicting imminent transformation are right: The Cuban government has rarely looked so defenseless."
With Maduro Gone, Is Cuba Ready to Fall? | Journal of Democracy
The Trump administration is ratcheting up the pressure, and the island dictatorship is in deep crisis. But what is the plan for picking up the pieces?
www.journalofdemocracy.org
February 12, 2026 at 7:01 PM
"Those predicting imminent transformation are right: The Cuban government has rarely looked so defenseless."
U.S. counterterrorism strategy across West Africa is quietly increasing coup risk—here’s how Washington can both better fight terrorism and prevent coups.
African Coups and the Elite-Forces Trap | Journal of Democracy
U.S. counterterrorism strategy across West Africa is quietly increasing coup risk—here’s how Washington can both better fight terrorism and prevent coups.
www.journalofdemocracy.org
February 12, 2026 at 6:24 PM
U.S. counterterrorism strategy across West Africa is quietly increasing coup risk—here’s how Washington can both better fight terrorism and prevent coups.
"Any political transition that does not emerge from evolution or negotiation within, or that does not position Cubans as the central actors of national reconstruction, would be born with a massive question mark around its long-term legitimacy."
With Maduro Gone, Is Cuba Ready to Fall? | Journal of Democracy
The Trump administration is ratcheting up the pressure, and the island dictatorship is in deep crisis. But what is the plan for picking up the pieces?
www.journalofdemocracy.org
February 12, 2026 at 5:55 PM
"Any political transition that does not emerge from evolution or negotiation within, or that does not position Cubans as the central actors of national reconstruction, would be born with a massive question mark around its long-term legitimacy."
The polls have closed on the Bangladesh election. The country is set to embark on a new political path and reestablish its constitutional order. Will it work?
Will Bangladesh’s Massive Democratic Experiment Work? | Journal of Democracy
The South Asian country is holding an election that will not only set it on a new political path but also reestablish its constitutional order. It’s intricate and carefully designed. But will it work?
www.journalofdemocracy.org
February 12, 2026 at 5:18 PM
The polls have closed on the Bangladesh election. The country is set to embark on a new political path and reestablish its constitutional order. Will it work?
El país suramericano puede estar a punto de un cambio real. Pero no va a terminar en un caos de guerra civil como el de Libia. Será difícil, imperfecto y mucho mejor que lo que los venezolanos han tenido que aguantar.
Cómo Venezuela realmente se convierte en una democracia | Journal of Democracy
El país suramericano puede estar a punto de un cambio real. Pero no va a terminar en un caos de guerra civil como el de Libia. Será difícil, imperfecto y mucho mejor que lo que los venezolanos han…
www.journalofdemocracy.org
February 11, 2026 at 7:00 PM
El país suramericano puede estar a punto de un cambio real. Pero no va a terminar en un caos de guerra civil como el de Libia. Será difícil, imperfecto y mucho mejor que lo que los venezolanos han tenido que aguantar.
Nicolás Maduro ha sido removido, pero la dictadura que él encabezó permanece. Si este período de tutela estadounidense se prolonga demasiado, será una receta para el desastre para Venezuela como para Estados Unidos.
Por qué Estados Unidos no debería gobernar Venezuela | Journal of Democracy
Nicolás Maduro ha sido removido, pero la dictadura que él encabezó permanece. Si este período de tutela estadounidense se prolonga demasiado, será una receta para el desastre para Venezuela como para…
www.journalofdemocracy.org
February 11, 2026 at 6:02 PM
Nicolás Maduro ha sido removido, pero la dictadura que él encabezó permanece. Si este período de tutela estadounidense se prolonga demasiado, será una receta para el desastre para Venezuela como para Estados Unidos.
"By further delegitimizing the system in the eyes of an already disaffected populace, [Iran's] deadly repression will make it even more difficult for the regime to win back public support through reforms or concessions."
Iran’s Massacres Will Haunt the Regime | Journal of Democracy
Iran’s hardline government responded to nationwide protests with horrific violence, killing thousands of Iranians in a matter of days. There is nothing the regime can offer its people to regain their…
www.journalofdemocracy.org
February 11, 2026 at 5:30 PM
"By further delegitimizing the system in the eyes of an already disaffected populace, [Iran's] deadly repression will make it even more difficult for the regime to win back public support through reforms or concessions."
Delcy Rodríguez y sus aliados no se van a rendir fácilmente. Planean adaptarse y bloquear, en la mayor medida posible, cualquier intento de restaurar la democracia en Venezuela. Esta es su estrategia.
Cómo piensa sobrevivir la dictadura de Maduro | Journal of Democracy
Delcy Rodríguez y sus compinches no se van a rendir así nomás. Piensan adaptarse y sabotear cualquier intento de restaurar la democracia en Venezuela. Esta es su estrategia.
www.journalofdemocracy.org
February 11, 2026 at 5:01 PM
Delcy Rodríguez y sus aliados no se van a rendir fácilmente. Planean adaptarse y bloquear, en la mayor medida posible, cualquier intento de restaurar la democracia en Venezuela. Esta es su estrategia.
"Any serious analysis must begin with a hard assumption: The post-Maduro leadership does not want to democratize."
How Maduro’s Dictatorship Plans to Survive | Journal of Democracy
Delcy Rodríguez and her cronies aren’t going to surrender easily. They plan to adapt and undermine any attempt to restore Venezuela’s democracy. This is their strategy.
www.journalofdemocracy.org
February 11, 2026 at 4:51 PM
"Any serious analysis must begin with a hard assumption: The post-Maduro leadership does not want to democratize."
El Journal of Democracy ha traducido al español nuestros artículos recientes sobre Venezuela para nuestra audiencia. Lea a continuación.
Contenido de Venezuela de JoD en español | Journal of Democracy
El Journal of Democracy ha traducido al español nuestros artículos recientes sobre Venezuela para nuestra audiencia. Lea a continuación.
www.journalofdemocracy.org
February 11, 2026 at 4:01 PM
El Journal of Democracy ha traducido al español nuestros artículos recientes sobre Venezuela para nuestra audiencia. Lea a continuación.