Authoritarianism

Populists Shrug Off Protests in Central and Southeast Europe

As in countries across the world, pro-democracy grassroots movements had little success in stopping assaults on independent institutions, the report found.

"While protest movements in every region have illustrated widespread popular demand for better governance, they have yet to reverse the overall pattern of declining freedom," Freedom House said in a statement.

Wolves in the Woods: Liberal Democracy and Its Enemies

By the end of the 1980s, some believed that this system of governance, which engendered economic success and political stability, had won the day against any alternative. Communist and fascist authoritarianism were discredited. A mood of triumphalism set in, breeding complacency. But things look a lot less rosy for liberal democrats today.

New Democracies ‘Need Formative Crises to Build Immunity’

This is the latest in a series of articles on the legacy of the fall of the Iron Curtain 30 years ago. See more.

Rather than unfolding like George Orwell's classic fable, he said the anti-totalitarian revolution ingrained the rule of law, free elections, free media, the partition of power and constitutional liberties in Central and Eastern Europe.

Hungary’s Opposition Wins in Budapest and Other Cities

Karacsony called his victory "a lesson on democracy" after Fidesz-backed Istvan Tarlos conceded defeat, media reported.

With most ballots counted, Karacsony, 44, had the support of more than 50 per cent of voters in the capital, compared with just over 44 per cent for Tarlos, 71, mayor of Budapest since 2010.

From vendettas to consensus

Historical comparisons can always be rather arbitrary. But it's worthwhile to seek comparisons with the past as food for thought. In 1989, a series of accusations were set in motion which after the 1993 elections evolved into a political vendetta veiled in criminality.

Democracy Digest: Ten Podcasts Worth Your Time

Is Humour the Best Antidote to Tyranny?

British-American author Andrew Keen has been travelling the globe to investigate what he calls "the contemporary crisis of democracy" for his Keen On Democracy podcast series.

In this episode, he talks to Michael Zantovksy, a Czech diplomat, writer and human rights activist, on how to fight authoritarianism with humour.

Iohannis: Day of Remembrance for Victims of Fascism and Communism entails firm condemnation of both ideologies

President Klaus Iohannis on Friday, August 23, the Day of Remembrance for Victims of Fascism and Communism, released a message in which he underscores that this day compels us to reiterate "firm" condemnation of both ideologies, in all their forms, and to remember the innocent victims of those regimes.

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