All Contents for Democracy

"The strongest bridges are built from the stones of fallen walls"

30 years ago, citizens managed to bring down a repressive surveillance state through peaceful resistance: the fall of the Berlin Wall. Resistance, solidarity and the thirst for freedom made citizens strong to oppose repression and overcome barriers. Those who fight for human rights should be protected by international standards as was agreed by the international community.

By Hannah Neumann

Nationalism in Turkey: Roots and Contemporary Answers

Analysis

Nationalism has been the most influential trend in both current political discussions as well as the in emergence of more engrained political processes in Turkey. In all political strands from the far left to the far right, a ferment, or at least an influential force of nationalism exists in varying tones and different degrees.

By Yahya Kemal Can

A Guide to the US Democratic Primaries

Article

The world is watching as the United States prepares for its next election marathon. Many Europeans want to know where the Democratic presidential hopefuls stand on issues from climate change or migration to regulating Big Tech. But where to start with more than 20 candidates? We try to cut a path through the US Democratic primary jungle.

By Hannah Winnick and Sabine Muscat

Focused on the Far Right

Background

In the run-up to the European elections, US President Donald Trump shows where his sympathies lie.

By Dominik Tolksdorf

Anti-feminism is making right-wing stances socially acceptable

Article

Anti-feminism as well as anti-gender rhetoric are playing a central role in the “centering” of right-wing ideologies. They are making right-wing mindsets acceptable in mainstream society and enabling parts of society to shift to the right without appearing right-wing.

By Franziska Schutzbach

Media Capture Central European Style

With foreign owners leaving the market, Central European oligarchs are buying whatever they can get their hands on. The region is an object lesson in how vested interests can create a quasi-media monopoly on information.

By Krisztian Simon

Safeguarding Democracy in the European Union

Publication Series on Europe – Volume 9:

Liberal democracies are under pressure, both worldwide and in Europe. For example, in Hungary and Poland, farright nationalist to nationalistic parties are in government and propagate an ‘illiberal’ democracy. The dismantling of democracy in an EU member state is not a national problem – it is a European one. The study makes clear the dilemma in which the EU finds itself and what possibilities for action are available to it.

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Connecting Europe: The Calling of Trans-European Media

Interview

In a Europe threatened with rising nationalism, trans-European media could present an ambitious project to transcend borders and language barriers, connecting citizens.

Turkey’s new presidential system: what implications for EU-Turkey relations?

Event Report

In June 2018, the transformation of the political system from a parliamentary to a presidential one has become effective. The Turkish Parliament has been weakened and the political hierarchy with the President as the highest standing has been further strenghtened. But suspending accession talks would also suspend European support for more democracy.

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Upping the Ante on Bulk Surveillance

The precarious balance between the need for security and the right to privacy will continue to characterize “risk societies” of the 21st century. This compendium by Thorsten Wetzling and Kilian Vieth provides robust oversight practices and good laws that can serve as bulwarks against the erosion of fundamental rights in Europe and America.