Publications on the topic of “Democracy needs Participation”

Editorial of the issue: “Latin America – The Underestimated Partner”

In a changing global order, Latin America is gaining strategic relevance for Europe. Geopolitical tensions, economic interests and competition with global powers are reshaping the region’s importance. What opportunities does this create for closer cooperation, and what obstacles remain?

“A Lot of People in Brazil Want a Political Middle Ground”

An Interview with Maximilian Hedrich

Brazil is heading into pivotal elections shaped by antagonistic political camps and a fragmented centre. While economic concerns and security issues dominate, a convincing alternative between left and right remains elusive. What dynamics are shaping the vote, and what does that mean for Europe?

Will Nepal’s New Government Break Old Patterns?

A Gender Analysis of the First 65 Days of the Shah Government

An analysis of Nepal's evolving landscape of women's political representation, assessing whether increased participation reflects meaningful institutional change or masks enduring structural barriers to gender equality in governance.

Bring Human Rights into Focus

International Day of Parliamentarism

On 30 June, the world marked the International Day of Parliamentarism, established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2018 to coincide with the founding of the Inter-Parliamentary Union in 1889. It is a day to reflect not only on the institution of democracy, but on the purpose these institutions serve. We commemorate it this year at a moment when voters are voting with emotion rather than ideology, with frustration rather than hope.

Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity in Ethiopia

Mapping the Interface

This newly released policy brief, authored by Professor Kinfe Yilma, Senior Lecturer at the School of Law, University of Leeds, provides a timely and insightful analysis of the intersection between artificial intelligence and cybersecurity in Ethiopia. As Ethiopia accelerates its digital transformation, AI is increasingly reshaping governance, economic activity, and everyday life. The brief offers a critical and forward-looking assessment of both the opportunities and risks associated with these developments. It highlights how technological innovation is advancing in parallel with growing cybersecurity threats, data protection challenges, and risks of misuse. Importantly, the brief reframes cybersecurity as a fundamental pillar of human security, good governance, and sustainable development. It identifies key gaps in existing policy frameworks, legal regimes, and institutional capacities, underscoring the urgent need for a more coherent and robust response. Grounded in a human-centered approach, the analysis calls for stronger safeguards, more inclusive governance structures, and enhanced coordination among government, the private sector, and civil society. Through clear and actionable recommendations, the brief provides a practical roadmap for leveraging the benefits of AI while fostering a secure, resilient, and rights-respecting digital ecosystem in Ethiopia.

Maldives Local Council Elections: A Stress Test for Executive Power?

How Local Elections Reshaped the Political Landscape

An analysis of how the 2026 local elections and referendum in the Maldives became a crucial test of public confidence in the government, exposing fundamental debates over centralisation, governance, and the institutional balance of power.

New government in Latvia: Four-party alliance under Kulbergs

JV remains security policy anchor

On 28 May 2026, the Saeima confirmed the new government under Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs. The 47-year-old businessman, economist and trained car mechanic from the centrist United List (Apvienotais saraksts, AS) takes over the duties of Evika Siliņa (Jaunā Vienotība, JV), whose cabinet collapsed on May 14 over a dispute over the replacement of the defense ministry after several drone incidents, including the impact on an oil storage facility in mid-May. President Edgars Rinkēvičs then tasked Kulbergs with forming a government. The new prime minister promises an "effective, professional and accountable government" and describes himself as a "realist". Kulbergs leads a four-party coalition.

AI and the Future of Digital Governance: Advancing Public Service Transformation in 2025

The proceedings on key discussions, policy insights, and challenges surrounding the transition toward digital government in the age of AI

The proceedings consolidate the key findings and discussions from the academic seminar entitled “AI and the Future of Digital Government: Advancing Public Service Standards 2025,” organised by the Institute of Democratization Studies on 24 November 2025, with support from KAS Thailand. They explored the role of artificial intelligence (AI) and digital platforms in strengthening state capacity, enhancing public-service delivery, and advancing digital governance in Thailand. Bringing together perspectives from policymakers, local authorities, and public-governance experts, the seminar particularly highlighted the cases of Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) and Nakhon Sawan Municipality, reflecting both the innovative potential and the structural limitations of Thailand’s ongoing digital transformation.

An Interview with María Corina Machado

“A People Determined to Be Free Cannot be Stopped”

At the beginning of 2026, the US intervened militarily in Venezuela, taking strongman Nicolás Maduro out of the country. However, the authoritarian regime in Caracas remained largely intact, now under the leadership of Delcy Rodríguez. Opposition leader María Corina Machado had been excluded from the 2024 presidential election by Maduro. Edmundo González, at that moment something of a political nobody and the candidate who ran in her place – nevertheless clearly won the election. However, the regime falsified the result and retained de facto power. Machado – who had been living in hiding in her own country – managed to leave Venezuela covertly, travelled to Oslo to receive the Nobel Peace Prize at the end of 2025, and has been living in exile ever since. In this interview with International Reports, conducted on 8 May 2026, Machado talks about the situation in her country, what should happen next, and why this also concerns us in Germany and Europe.

Presidential Election in Benin in the Context of Democratic Backsliding in West Africa

Government Candidate and Former Finance Minister Romuald Wadagni Wins the Election

On 12 April 2026, the citizens of Benin elected a new president. Romuald Wadagni, the former Minister of Finance and candidate of the governing coalition, emerged as the clear winner with 94.05 per cent of the vote. His sole opponent, Paul Hounkpè, chairman of the opposition party Forces Cauris pour un Bénin Émergent, lagged far behind with just under six per cent. Given the exclusion of the main opposition party Les Démocrates, the outcome of the election was largely predictable prior to the vote. Against this backdrop, observation focused less on the electoral result itself and more on voter turnout.