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

Let’s talk about McConnell and Trump going to war – Beau of the Fifth Column

Let’s talk about the Newsweek article and Trump – Beau of the Fifth Column

In democracy’s birthplace, pope warns of populist threats

Pope Francis warned Saturday that the “easy answers” of populism and authoritarianism are threatening democracy in Europe and called for fresh dedication to promoting the common good. Arriving in Greece, the birthplace of democracy, Francis used a speech to Greek political and cultural leaders to warn Europe at large about the threats facing the continent.

Far-right populist, ex-protest leader set for runoff vote in Chile’s presidential election

Republican party’s José Antonio Kast set to win first round with 28% of the vote The far-right populist José Antonio Kast is on course for a convincing victory over former protest leader Gabriel Boric in the first round of Chile’s presidential election. With more than 90% of the votes counted, Kast led Boric by 28%

Democracy slipping away at record rate, intergovernmental body warns

A greater number of countries are sliding towards authoritarianism, while the number of established democracies under threat has never been so high, the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA) said on Monday. Populist politics, the use of COVID-19 pandemic restrictions to silence critics, a tendency of countries to mimic the anti-democratic behaviour of

Let’s talk about Trump’s week – Beau of the Fifth Column

Ruling party elects Kishida as leader in win for Japan establishment

New LDP leader Kishida likely to be voted PM on Monday General election expected Nov. 7 or Nov. 14 Kishida is party consensus builder, but lacks popularity Has called for stimulus of more than 30 trillion yen Seen maintaining Japan’s security, foreign policy posture Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) anointed former foreign minister Fumio

Italian Senate endorses lowering voting age from 25 to 18

The Italian Senate has approved lowering the voting age in senate elections from 25 to 18, paving the way for four million young people to take part. Italians aged 18 or above can already cast ballots in national elections for the lower house of Italy’s parliament, the Chamber of Deputies. If enough lawmakers in each

Let’s talk about sympathy for Republicans – Beau of the Fifth Column