Democratic backsliding

Global concerns about democratic backsliding have led to the Obama Presidential Center's focus on democracy's foundations as a timely reminder of its ideals. The article, written by G Etse Sikanku and published in Premium Times Nigeria, highlights the center's role in re-imagining democracy from a global perspective.

Georgia’s parliament speaker accused the EU of pressuring Tbilisi to join sanctions against Russia to maintain visa-free travel, calling the demand 'suicide.' The EU is preparing a mechanism to suspend visa-free privileges due to concerns over Georgia’s democratic backsliding.

Armenia's recent election is marked by 'extreme polarisation, hate speech, stigmatization,' with Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan's victory signaling openness to the European Union but requiring careful management of dependence on Russia. The election addressed broader issues like security, economic vulnerability, and the legacy of conflict, as Armenia navigates transitions between war and peace, and polarization and democratic consolidation.

Thousands of Georgians gathered in Tbilisi on Independence Day to protest the government's democratic backsliding and advocate for closer ties with Europe. The rally highlighted public discontent with the government's policies and a desire for European integration.

Hungary's incoming PM, Péter Magyar, aims to strengthen ties with Poland's PM Donald Tusk to leverage Poland's experience in repairing EU relations after years of illiberal governance. Both center-right leaders seek to restore the rule of law and improve state institutions following democratic backsliding and EU clashes.

A new book links mass migration to democratic backsliding globally, suggesting emigration may enable authoritarian leaders to maintain power. The study explores how political instability and migration patterns intersect, raising concerns about governance in affected regions.