Shifting Democracy Indices
Are South Asia's Giants Lagging Behind Smaller Nations? South Asia, a region characterized by cultural and political diversity, presents a complex and varied picture regarding…
The Biden Presidency Did Not Take Place
United States of America Old Men, New Politics? II: The Biden Presidency Did Not Take Place United States of America The Gulf War Did Not Take Place (La Guerre…
The State of Populism in a Comparative Perspective
Europe and Latin America Although populism is not a new phenomenon, in recent years we have witnessed an increase in the vote share of populist…
Zuma The Survivor
Zuma The Survivor Reports of the African National Congress’ death were greatly exaggerated. Despite an unconvincing election campaign – and underwhelming results to match –…
Episode 5: Is the United States Truly a Democracy? A Deep Dive
Is the United States Truly a Democracy? A Deep Dive Episode 5 As we get ready for the US Presidential inauguration, in this special episode,…
Episode 4: Mexico’s 2024 Election – Misinformation, Gender Bias, and Mitigation
Mexico’s 2024 Election - Misinformation, Gender Bias, and Mitigation Episode 4 In this episode of Civics and Cynics, hosts Dr. Juan Gomez Cruces and Dr.…
The Three Faces of Power
Dr. Jamie Ranger, explains the 3 faces of power we encounter in the contemporary political landscape. They are decision-making power, non-decision-making power, and ideological power.
Episode 3: Digital Storms: Unpacking Misinformation & Democracy in South Asia
Digital Storms: Unpacking Misinformation & Democracy in South Asia Episode 3 This episode is hosted by Dr. Umer Jan and Dr Jamie Ranger, in conversation…
Why People Vote Authoritarian Leaders
Prof. Dr. Estariol de la Paz unravels the complexities behind the rise of authoritarian leadership. While it’s commonly believed that economic factors are the driving force, new research reveals that cultural influences play a significant role in authoritarianism.
Ruto – After The Hustle
Ruto After The Hustle- Kenya William Ruto became the President of Kenya in September 2022, following a closely contested election against former Prime Minister Raila…
Georgian Elections, What’s at stake?
Ewan Thomas-Colquhoun takes us on a deep dive into the pivotal moment of the Georgian elections in 2024 and how the outcome may influence Georgia as well as regional politics.
Episode 2: Ripples Across Borders: The Global Stakes of the U.S. Election
In this special collaborative episode of Civics and Cynics, our team of international experts from the Hasso-Plattner Institute’s Governance, Technology, and Policy Research Group come together to explore how the 2024 U.S. election might shape the world beyond America’s borders. Together, Ewan Thomas-Colquhoun, Dr. Juan S. Gómez Cruces, Dr. Jamie Ranger, and Dr. Umer Jan examine the impacts of a potential Trump or Harris presidency on diverse regions—from Latin America to Central Asia, Africa to South Asia. Ewan Thomas-Colquhoun brings insights into Eastern Europe and Central Asia, weighing how shifting U.S. support could affect the conflict in Ukraine and regional security alliances. Dr. Juan S. Gómez Cruces discusses the effects on Latin American immigration, trade, and political alignments in the face of heightened rhetoric and complex cross-border ties. Meanwhile, Dr. Jamie Ranger explores Africa’s unique position in global affairs, addressing issues like U.S. trade initiatives, security cooperation, and the influence of China and Russia on the various countries of the continent. Dr. Umer Jan rounds out the discussion with a focus on South Asia and the Middle East, where changing U.S. alliances with nations like India and Pakistan could have wide-reaching consequences.
Is Democracy under Threat?
With the current state of democracy which is increasingly threatened, Prof. Dr. Estatriol de la Paz, expatiates on democracy’s decline over years and how democratic elected leaders may play a role in that.