Can a Third of My Neighbors Really Be Far-Right Extremists?

I Joined a United Germany When the Wall Fell. Now I Fear for Its Future

I grew up in East Germany, in the former German Democratic Republic, and I am still here today.

In the fall of 1989, we liberated ourselves from dictatorial conditions through a peaceful revolution. That was a beginning. Freedom “from something,” however, must lead to freedom “for something.” We discussed how we wanted to develop our country. The possibilities seemed endless.

Then the Wall fell. People oriented themselves towards the West. It promised prosperity, which had a stronger allure than taking our own uncertain path.

So, I became a citizen of the Federal Republic …

by Ralf-Uwe Beck | February 7, 2024

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Pakistan’s General Election Is a Generals’
Election

Since the Country’s Founding, the Military Has Ruled Over Civilian Affairs—This Vote Won’t Change That

by Fahad Mehsood | February 5, 2024

Maybe it’s best to ask if Pakistan’s 2024 election is to be called a general election, or a generals’ election.

As a lawyer and rule of law consultant for different development …

I Bought a Pricey Plane Ticket in Hopes of Voting for a United Taiwan

But Now There’s No Viable Party I Can Support

by Sam Chang | January 10, 2024

I’m 72 years old, but recently I made a rookie mistake. I believed that Taiwanese politicians, when they signed an agreement, would honor that agreement and seek unity.

Forgive me for …

A tight crowd of men and women, some sitting down, some standing. Political banners and pictures are seen above the people.

In Dhaka, the Roadblocks to Democracy Are Roadblocks

As the Election Looms in Bangladesh, Blockades Are More Than a Metaphor for the Obstacles Facing Voters

by SAYKOT KABIR SHAYOK | January 4, 2024

It’s election season in Bangladesh—the roads are closed, vehicles are burning, and the threat of violence is close.

As I write these sentences, the country’s chief opposition party—the Bangladesh Nationalist Party …

2024 Will Be the Biggest Election Year in World History

And That’s Not Good News for Democracy

by Joe Mathews | January 2, 2024

2024 will be the biggest election year in history. Some 4.2 billion people, or more than half of humanity, live in the 76 countries that are scheduled to …

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