The real danger for democracies today is not based on autocracies becoming stronger, but from their reactive posture, slow consensus-building, and failure to communicate clearly and timely with their citizens. Autocracies exploit these weaknesses by shaping narratives and spreading their influence, creating an appearance of greater strength and unity. Yet the core issue is not…
It is widely recognised that top-down constitutional referendums in post-Soviet states reinforce the president’s power, at the expense of other branches of government. This article examines referendum engineering as a factor that undermines the balance of power, establishes a constitutional basis for long-lasting autocracies, and promotes authoritarian learning. It argues that the success of such…
This article examines the deepening crisis of the international rules-based order, amid the resurgence of authoritarian regimes and the weakening of multilateral institutions. It investigates the ideological foundations and structural changes in modern autocracy, the internal decline of democratic governance, and the limited enforcement power of international law. Using Ukraine’s experience as a case study,…
The response towards Russian aggression against Ukraine and further European involvement has presented the whole spectrum of reactions from right-wing politicians. In this article, we will try to answer what determines the choices of right-wing parties in their foreign policy agenda, and, in particular, regarding the Russian-Ukrainian war and when populism prevails over national interests,…
Why do autocratic regimes appear so resilient, sometimes even expanding their influence, and yet remain so brittle when confronted with internal or external shocks? What explains their rise and where are the limits of their power? These questions will be addressed, using the experience of Myanmar, where recent developments provide a striking case of the…
Once regarded as a frontrunner of the Eastern Partnership, Georgia is today sliding into authoritarianism, despite immense public support for European integration. This article explores the paradox of a pro-European society tolerating this democratic backsliding. It argues that a combination of internal and external factors has reshaped public priorities from democracy building to security. Russian…
