Democracy in decline worldwide

For the first time since 2004, the Bertelsmann Transformation Index (BTI) has recorded more autocratic states than democracies around the world. Civil society activists often represent the last bastion of resistance. Autocracies such as Russia and China on the one hand; democracies like the USA or Germany on the other. Is that the great conflict

MAGA Party Lawmakers Banning Books To Ease ‘White Discomfort’ – MSNBC

GOP lawmakers in 22 states have unveiled bills to limit teachings about race and sexuality in public schools. Toni Morrison’s “The Bluest Eye” and Art Spiegelman’s “Maus” have now joined the list of works banned by local school boards for so-called “objectionable” content. MSNBC’s Ari Melber is joined by Professor Brittney Cooper to discuss.

Gravitas: Kazakhstan protests create a new headache for Putin – WION

Kazakhstan is a country in crisis. Overwhelmed by the public anger, Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has called in Russian paratroopers. What’s at stake for the Russian President in Kazakhstan? Palki Sharma tells you more.

Autocracy is Winning – The Atlantic

THE BAD GUYS ARE WINNING If the 20th century was the story of slow, uneven progress toward the victory of liberal democracy over other ideologies—communism, fascism, virulent nationalism—the 21st century is, so far, a story of the reverse. By Anne Applebaum The future of democracy may well be decided in a drab office building on the outskirts

Let’s talk about Biden’s speech, autocracy, and democracy – Beau of the Fifth Column