Democracy

To be Equal and Free: The Nexus Between Human Rights and Democracy

Published: 20 December 2019

Human rights and democracy are regarded as an interconnected and mutually reinforcing couple. The link between the concepts of democracy and human rights is stemming from the fact that human rights are one of the basic tenants of democracy. This paper seeks to explore the role of human rights in democracy, and specifically whether human rights is a necessary ingredient for its sustenance.

The Austrian Greens Make Their Comeback

Published: 29 November 2019

Article

In an early election held after a corruption scandal collapsed the right-wing government, the Austrian Green party achieved a historic high, gaining 13.9 per cent of the votes. From appealing across the rural-urban divide to new electoral coalitions, the strategic questions emerging from the recent Austrian election are relevant for green and progressive parties all over Europe.

By Ewa Ernst-Dziedzic and Bartlomiej Kozek

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

Published: 8 November 2019

Article

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

Published: 22 August 2019

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

Published: 26 June 2019

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

Published: 23 May 2019

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

Published: 3 May 2019

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

Published: 31 January 2019

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

Published: 27 December 2018

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.

Connecting Europe: The Calling of Trans-European Media

Published: 4 December 2018

Interview

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