Democratic backsliding

September 16, 2026 | Ivana Stradner |

Security Challenges in the Western Balkans

Briefing delivered to the Counter-Kleptocracy Caucus

August 3, 2026 | Ivana Stradner |

Why the OSCE Shouldn’t Meet in Serbia

The OSCE’s recent decision to hold its 2027 meeting in Belgrade will reward Serbia for its democratic backsliding and pro-authoritarian foreign policy.

July 2, 2026 | Keti Korkiya, Ivana Stradner

Serbia and Georgia aren’t our friends — They’re authoritarian regimes courting Trump

When autocrats seek legitimacy, they often travel in pairs. Such was the case when Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic traveled to Tbilisi in June. While this was the first visit by a Serbian...

June 23, 2026 | Sinan Ciddi |

Don’t Let Turkey Hijack the NATO Summit

NATO leaders must make it clear to Turkey that it cannot be a NATO member and pursue a foreign policy that undermines the alliance.

June 22, 2026 | Sinan Ciddi |

EU Report Slams Authoritarian Rule in Turkey, Urges Sanctions Against Justice Minister

An EU report has leveled the most scathing criticism of Turkey’s government in recent memory, recommending sanctions against a number of Turkish officials. They include Turkish Minister of Justice...

June 12, 2026 | Keti Korkiya |

Tbilisi Moves Closer to Beijing Despite Courting Washington

Georgia, once Washington’s closest partner in the post-Soviet space, is deepening its strategic alignment with China. On June 9, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Georgian President Mikheil Kavelashvili...

June 3, 2026 | Sinan Ciddi |

Turkey’s democracy is dying as Erdogan dismantles opposition

A court ruling targeting the CHP shows how Turkey's institutions now serve power rather than democratic change.

May 26, 2026 | Sinan Ciddi |

Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s ‘Decapitation Strike’ on Turkey’s Opposition Party

Now seeking a fourth term in office, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is moving quickly to disarm the Republican People’s Party (CHP).

March 19, 2026 | Keti Korkiya |

Georgia’s Turn Toward China’s Financial System

Georgia, once Washington’s closest partner in the Caucasus region, is strengthening its economic ties with Beijing. Four Georgian banks have applied to join China’s Cross-Border Interbank Payment System...

September 5, 2023 | David Panuelo, Richard Clark

Former President of Federated States of Micronesia David W. Panuelo Warns Country Could See Democratic Backsliding

New, exclusive interview with former President of Federated States of Micronesia, David W. Panuelo.

June 15, 2011 | Clifford D. May |

History is Back

Is democracy on the march or is it in retreat? I put that question to Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice this week. I suggested the answer was, at best, uncertain: Elections in Gaza have led to...