Ukraine accused Russia of torture. Here’s how to prosecute those crimes. Alyson Reynolds, Elijah Tsai, and Kelebogile Zvobgo - November 22, 2022 Ukraine’s allies can use their own courts to investigate war crimes
Chile’s new voting rules may have derailed the new Constitution Lautaro Cella and Eli Rau - September 15, 2022 Many who voted ‘No’ still want a new constitution — just not this one
Gorbachev didn’t set out to open the door to democracy Daniel Treisman - September 1, 2022 The former Soviet leader learned the hard way that reining in political changes is harder than making them
Can the NPT fulfill its promise to eliminate nuclear weapons? J. Luis Rodriguez - August 1, 2022 Latin American countries will push again for nuclear disarmament at this month’s review conference
Colombia’s new president aims to swing his country left. It won’t be easy. Sandra Botero, Laura Gamboa, and Juan Albarracín - June 29, 2022 Gustavo Petro will have to make alliances and deals with moderate parties, which may disappoint his supporters
How do North and South Americans view the U.S.? Dinorah Azpuru - June 2, 2022 Leaders are gathering for the Summit of the Americas in Los Angeles
In Colombia, an activist, feminist lawyer is running for VP Julia Zulver and Jennifer Piscopo - April 28, 2022 Francia Márquez pledged to speak for marginalized and rural voters. That’s put her in danger.
Biden called Putin a ‘war criminal.’ That’s risky. Daniel Krcmaric and Alexander Downes - March 24, 2022 Here’s the downside to prosecuting former leaders
Chile’s markets fell after people elected a leftist president. That’s not unusual. Daniele Girardi - January 23, 2022 Research investigates the aftermath of more than 750 elections around the world
Germany convicted a Syrian man of war crimes in Syria. Can national courts prosecute injustices everywhere? Maximo Langer, Margaret E. Peters, and Leslie Johns - January 14, 2022 The landmark case invoked the principle of ‘universal jurisdiction’
Millennial politicians are shaking up Latin America. Here’s how they differ from the old guard. Will Freeman and Paul J. Angelo - January 11, 2022 Generational turnover is getting rid of ‘los mismos de siempre’ and making politics more unpredictable.
The Kazakhstan protests escalated quickly. Here’s why. Regina Smyth and Pauline Jones - January 8, 2022 We found these two factors at work.
Biden promises to fight transnational corruption. But will the U.S. target friends as well as foes? Victor Peskin and Mieczysław Boduszyński - December 20, 2021 Washington tends to avoid confronting allies, this research shows
The World Bank had to scrap its popular business report. That says a lot about the politics of numbers. Lukas Linsi - October 15, 2021 Economic statistics are far more ambiguous — and malleable — than most people realize.
Does funding help encourage women to run for legislative office? Season Hoard, Ragnhild Muriaas, and Amy G. Mazur - September 28, 2021 Research explains when political financing works — and when it doesn’t
Would China’s move to join this transpacific trade pact push the U.S. to rejoin? It’s complicated. Kristen Hopewell - September 27, 2021 Membership would probably place China firmly at the center of regional and global supply chains.
Did bigger and better benefits during the pandemic ease people’s money worries? Valerie Frey - August 25, 2021 New data from 25 countries reveal why many people aren’t reassured by government measures
Across Latin America, citizens and governments are clashing over their countries’ authoritarian pasts Michael Albertus - July 8, 2021 Here’s what that looks like on the ground
Chile elected delegates to draft a new constitution — and it’s not tilted toward the elites Julieta Suarez-Cao and Javier Sajuria - June 24, 2021 Chilean political parties suffered a big blow: 40 percent of the votes went to independent candidates. Here’s what that means.
Peru’s upcoming presidential election is really a referendum on its troubled constitution Paolo Sosa-Villagarcia and Maxwell A. Cameron - May 13, 2021 What’s at stake in the runoff between leftist front-runner Pedro Castillo and right-wing, dynastic candidate Keiko Fujimori?
The Biden administration supports waiving patents on coronavirus vaccines. Big Pharma won’t be happy. Carie Steele - May 5, 2021 Developed countries are joining developing countries to put pharmaceutical companies in a tough position
Some GOP members didn’t accept Biden’s win. What happens when an anti-democratic faction rocks a democracy? Beatty Riedl and Kenneth Roberts - January 27, 2021 Research from around the globe shows how democracies fight back
Argentina legalized abortion. Here’s what it means for Latin America. Taylor Boas, Mason Moseley, Mariela Daby, and Amy Erica Smith - January 17, 2021 Abortion rights advocates focused on public health consequences for women in poverty.
Biden will have more women in his Cabinet than any president ever. Other countries still do better. Susan Franceschet and Karen Beckwith - January 15, 2021 Most cabinets have a “concrete floor” for gender representation, and rarely go lower. Will Biden raise that floor in the U.S.?
15 countries just signed the world’s largest trade pact. The U.S. isn’t one of them. Kristen Hopewell - November 15, 2020 Will the U.S. economy suffer as nations in the Asia-Pacific region get closer?
Chile voted to write a new constitution. Will it promise more than the government can deliver? Peter Siavelis and Jennifer Piscopo - October 29, 2020 In a global first, women will make up half the constitutional convention
Chileans vote this weekend whether to rewrite the Pinochet-era constitution. Valeria Palanza, Laia Balcells, and Elsa Voytas - October 21, 2020 A museum that helps people acknowledge the authoritarian past may influence how they feel about politics today.
Some people want a U.S. truth commission. But truth commissions have limits. Kelebogile Zvobgo and Claire Crawford - October 21, 2020 Our research explains what these commissions can and cannot do
U.S. cities and states are discussing reparations for Black Americans. Here’s what’s key. Peter Dixon - August 23, 2020 One lesson from international efforts: Keep reparations distinct from general social support.
‘Legislative Development in Africa’ is a deeply researched book Kim Yi Dionne - July 10, 2020 In Kenya and Zambia, legislatures helped enforce political accountability.
What’s Vladimir Putin’s end game? Other post-Soviet autocrats give a few clues. Timothy Frye - July 2, 2020 Here’s why he will try to stay in power.
In Latin America, coronavirus threatens not just public health, but also democracy Nicolás Saldías - April 16, 2020 Shaky economies are likely to get worse
The WTO might return to diplomatic settlements for trade disputes. Here’s why. Philip Potter and Julia Gray - December 19, 2019 The global trade appeals system has stalled. Did it ever really work?
Latin American democracy may be in trouble. The protests are a symptom of increasing mistrust. Dinorah Azpuru - December 8, 2019 Citizens are unhappy both with their own representatives and with democracy in general.
Colombia is having its largest wave of protests in recent decades. Why? Silvia Otero Bahamón and Sandra Botero - December 4, 2019 Here are the 3 things you need to know
Don’t want to discuss Trump or impeachment at Thanksgiving? Try this instead. Vanessa Lide and E.J. Graff - November 26, 2019 Dazzle (or distract) the table with what else has been happening while they weren’t looking.
Uruguay’s Sunday runoff election may bring down the ruling party Jennifer Pribble and Fernando Rosenblatt - November 19, 2019 Voters have generally been content — so why are they pushing for change?
This may be the largest wave of nonviolent mass movements in world history. What comes next? Zoe Marks, Tore Wig, Sirianne Dahlum, Sooyeon Kang, Erica Chenoweth, and Christopher Wiley Shay - November 14, 2019 Social media has made mass protests easier to organize — but, perhaps paradoxically, harder to resolve.
Chilean protesters are waving the Mapuche flag. What’s the Mapuche flag, and who’s hoisting it? Patricia Rodríguez - November 11, 2019 Indigenous Chileans have been organizing for years. Here’s what they want.
After weeks of Latin American protests, expect to see more women elected to office Magda Hinojosa, Kendall D. Funk, and Jennifer Piscopo - November 6, 2019 Parties nominate more women when citizens distrust government — because so many people believe women are more honest
Few Chileans have a voice in government. That’s why so many are in the streets. Javier Sajuria - November 5, 2019 A small, wealthy class runs both major political parties — and the government.
Chile’s streets are filled with protests. How did a 4 percent fare hike set off such rage? Alisha Holland - October 31, 2019 The metro symbolizes the vast distances — geographically and economically — between rich and poor.
Trump is officially withdrawing from the Paris climate agreement. That won’t change much. Jessica Green - October 29, 2019 What really matters are real-world efforts to reduce carbon emissions.
Six things we’ve learned about terrorism since 9/11 Todd Sandler and Khusrav Gaibulloev - September 11, 2019 There’s been a lot of research in the past 18 years. Here’s what we know.
Guaidó backed an amnesty plan for Venezuela’s military. How might that play out? Mieczysław Boduszyński and Victor Peskin - February 11, 2019 Three weeks into Venezuela’s political standoff, will there be a
Why did China stand by Maduro in Venezuela? Matt Ferchen - February 5, 2019 [caption id="attachment_83445" align="aligncenter" width="960"] An anti-government protester wears Venezuelan flag
Four reasons it’ll be hard to offer Maduro a golden parachute (and one reason to try anyway) Zacc Ritter, Daniel Krcmaric, Ariya Hagh, and Andrew Bennett - January 26, 2019 [caption id="attachment_83142" align="aligncenter" width="960"] A Venezuelan opposition supporter holds a
Here’s what Erick Erickson gets wrong about dictators and migration Kathryn Sikkink - December 5, 2018 [caption id="attachment_81107" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Undocumented Venezuelans are held in a
Democracy is in crisis in Latin America. Brazil may be the next trouble spot. Scott Mainwaring and Luis Schenoni - October 22, 2018 [caption id="attachment_79199" align="aligncenter" width="960"] A man yells after listening to
Support for democracy is declining — but not in the U.S. or other Western democracies Christopher Claassen - July 5, 2018 [caption id="attachment_75335" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Voting signs at the Marie H
Is democracy really in danger? The picture is not as dire as you think. Daniel Treisman - June 19, 2018 [caption id="attachment_69748" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Attendees gather in front of the
A new ‘resource curse’ is fueling riots around the world Renard Sexton - April 25, 2018 [caption id="attachment_72635" align="aligncenter" width="960"] The Kapolowe River outside Lubumbashi, Congo,
Cape Town still has water — for now. This may take political solutions as well as technical fixes. Lauren MacLean, Jennifer Brass, Elizabeth Baldwin, and Christopher Gore - April 23, 2018 [caption id="attachment_72563" align="aligncenter" width="960"] People refill water bottles at the
How flawed constitutions undermine democracy Victor Menaldo and Michael Albertus - February 26, 2018 [caption id="attachment_69689" align="aligncenter" width="960"] A replica of the Liberty Bell stands
A significant minority of Americans say they could support a military takeover of the U.S. government Susan Stokes, Noam Lupu, and German Feierherd - February 16, 2018 [caption id="attachment_69313" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Starlings pass in front of the
China is investing seriously in Latin America. Should you worry? - January 24, 2018 [caption id="attachment_68418" align="aligncenter" width="960"] From left: El Salvador Foreign Minister
Cornel West accused Ta-Nehisi Coates of being a neoliberal. Does neoliberal still mean anything? Walter Hatch - January 23, 2018 [caption id="attachment_68378" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Philosophy professor Cornel West speaks at
Chile just elected a billionaire president. These are the 4 things you need to know. Juan Luna and Jennifer Pribble - December 18, 2017 [caption id="attachment_67397" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Supporters cheer as Sebastián Piñera, Chile's president-elect,
Chile just went to the polls — and transformed its legislature Javier Sajuria - November 21, 2017 [caption id="attachment_66497" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Presidential candidate Sebastián Piñera waves to
This chart shows the best and worst countries for women in the world today. Jeni Klugman - November 7, 2017 [caption id="attachment_65845" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Women shout slogans as they take
Is there a payoff from U.S. intervention to protect U.S. assets? We found few trade benefits. Paul Zachary and Alexander Downes - October 26, 2017 [caption id="attachment_65411" align="aligncenter" width="960"] U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Robert Dominguez,
This is how social media data can help NGOs Henry Farrell - October 20, 2017 [caption id="attachment_65197" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Loic Venance/AFP/Getty Images[/caption] Stefaan Verhulst is
Yes, U.S. election integrity could be improved. Here’s why the Pence commission probably won’t do it. German Feierherd and Francisco Cantú - September 18, 2017 In May, President Trump created the Presidential Advisory Commission on Election
Chile’s president is a woman — and she just scored a major policy victory for women. Here’s why that matters. Susan Franceschet and Catherine Reyes-Housholder - August 30, 2017 [caption id="attachment_63036" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Chilean President Michelle Bachelet attends the
It’s not just Venezuela. Elected governments don’t necessarily defend democracy or protect human rights. Jimena Galindo and Christopher Sabatini - August 11, 2017 On Aug. 8, 12 countries in Latin America raised their
China’s ‘Belt and Road’ opens up new business in Africa — for both the U.S. and China Janet Eom - July 24, 2017 [caption id="attachment_59157" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Chinese President Xi Jinping shakes hands
5 lessons from former presidents on making good decisions Ignacio Araya - May 5, 2017 [caption id="attachment_57810" align="aligncenter" width="960"] President Trump salutes after laying a
Restrictions on the news media are a bellwether for two disturbing trends Yonatan Lupu and Daniel Hill - April 17, 2017 In the wake of a growing conflict between President Trump and
People who protest almost certainly vote Susan Stokes, Erdem Aytaç, and Eli Rau - February 6, 2017 [caption id="attachment_53666" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Residents march in the Farthest North
Okay, the Trans-Pacific Partnership is dead. What was it? Vanessa Lide - January 23, 2017 [caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="960"] A container ship loaded with U.S.
The GOP plan to fund Medicaid through block grants will probably weaken it Ryan LaRochelle - January 18, 2017 [caption id="attachment_52647" align="aligncenter" width="960"] House Speaker Paul D. Ryan (R-Wis.)
Scott Pruitt wants to switch direction for federal environmental policy. That may be hard to do. Patrick Egan and Megan Mullin - January 18, 2017 Donald Trump’s pick to lead the Environmental Protection Agency, Oklahoma
Trump’s tweets can be a distraction, but do they signal a real threat to international institutions? Bruce Russett and Bear Braumoeller - January 18, 2017 [caption id="attachment_52621" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Russian paratroopers march across Moscow's Red
Betsy DeVos wants ‘school choice.’ Chile tried that already. Jennifer Erkulwater and Jennifer Pribble - January 17, 2017 A confirmation hearing for Betsy DeVos, President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee for
The number of countries with female political leaders has plummeted Kelsey Coolidge and Curtis Bell - January 9, 2017 [caption id="attachment_49686" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Hillary Clinton makes a concession speech
The electoral college is a medieval relic. Only the U.S. still has one. Josep Colomer - December 11, 2016 The U.S. electoral college is a medieval relic. For several
Colombians rejected ‘transitional justice’ for guerrillas. They want criminal justice instead. Jamie Rowen - October 8, 2016 [caption id="attachment_47510" align="aligncenter" width="960"] A supporter of the peace deal
Colombia’s right-wing populist movement defeated the peace deal. Here’s how we know. Jennifer Cyr and Carlos Meléndez - October 4, 2016 [caption id="attachment_47331" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Colombians in Bogota react Sunday after
Strong words make treaties more effective. So is the Paris climate accord worded too flexibly? Tom Pegram and Katerina Linos - September 29, 2016 [caption id="attachment_46948" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Chinese President Xi Jinping, center, President
The sky fell on the U.S. poultry industry last year. But NAFTA and the TPP helped protect U.S. exports. Chad Bown - August 30, 2016 [caption id="attachment_45785" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Cage-free chickens forage at an
The U.S. filed a WTO dispute to save jobs — by increasing imports from China. Here’s why. Chad Bown - July 26, 2016 In the latest salvo against free trade, Donald Trump argued
Peru rejected Keiko Fujimori, but most new democracies vote authoritarian parties back into office. Here’s why. James Loxton - June 16, 2016 [caption id="attachment_42106" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Demonstrators rally against presidential candidate Keiko
6 things you need to know about Venezuela’s political and economic crisis Michael McCarthy - May 18, 2016 Venezuela is a powder keg. Once a rich country held
Sri Lanka’s bloody civil war finally ended seven years ago. But moving on from the past is not easy. Kate Cronin-Furman - May 18, 2016 [caption id="attachment_40723" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Hundreds of Tamils living in Switzerland
Why unarmed revolutions topple some dictators but not others Daniel Ritter - May 13, 2016 [caption id="attachment_40505" align="aligncenter" width="908"] An anti-government protester flashes a V
It’s been 25 years since Sierra Leone’s brutal civil war. Here’s what we know about helping communities recover. Rachel Glennerster - May 13, 2016 [caption id="attachment_40498" align="aligncenter" width="1027"] Innovations for Poverty Action Sierra Leone
Would Clinton really appoint a cabinet that’s half women and half men? Diana O'Brien and Catherine Reyes-Housholder - May 9, 2016 [caption id="attachment_40236" align="aligncenter" width="908"] Hillary Clinton meets staff and volunteers
Did Chile ditch its authoritarian government 26 years ago? Not quite. Jennifer Pribble - May 6, 2016 [caption id="attachment_40086" align="aligncenter" width="908"] Chilean President Patricio Aylwin waves to
More and more, presidents govern with a coalition. Here are the pluses and minuses. Timothy Power, Paul Chaisty, and Nic Cheeseman - March 17, 2016 [caption id="attachment_37143" align="aligncenter" width="908"] Demonstrators demand the impeachment of Brazil's
The Paris climate agreement calls for big investments in renewable energy Patrick Bayer and Johannes Urpelainen - March 14, 2016 Here's why governments love it.
Who is running the Egyptian state? Nathan Brown and Katie Bentivoglio - July 31, 2015 [caption id="attachment_28102" align="aligncenter" width="908"] FILE: In this photo provided by
Cleaning up politics Pippa Norris and Lisa Fennis - July 16, 2015 [caption id="attachment_27496" align="aligncenter" width="1126"] The degree of state regulation of
Why losing a trade vote in Congress may strengthen America's bargaining position Henry Farrell - June 12, 2015 [caption id="attachment_25995" align="alignnone" width="620" class="center"] Sen. Sherrod Brown, a Democrat
Why losing a trade vote in Congress may strengthen America’s bargaining position Henry Farrell - June 12, 2015 [caption id="attachment_25995" align="alignnone" width="620" class="center"] Sen. Sherrod Brown, a Democrat
What would Britain look like under Proportional Representation? Simon Hix and Jack Blumenau - May 6, 2015 [caption id="attachment_24340" align="alignnone" width="620" class="align center"] A U.K. Independence Party
Where acceptance of homosexuality has and has not changed around the world Erik Voeten - April 28, 2015 There has been much to do about the pace by
People are freaking out about the Trans Pacific Partnership's investor dispute settlement system. Why should you care? Henry Farrell - March 26, 2015 [caption id="attachment_23129" align="alignnone" width="620"] Union members and community activists protest
People are freaking out about the Trans Pacific Partnership’s investor dispute settlement system. Why should you care? Henry Farrell - March 26, 2015 [caption id="attachment_23129" align="alignnone" width="620"] Union members and community activists protest
Those with darker skin report slower police response throughout the Americas Mitchell Seligson, Mollie Cohen, and Elizabeth Zechmeister - February 9, 2015 [caption id="attachment_21073" align="alignnone" width="620"] Riot police and security officers clash
Greece goes to the polls, and Europe holds its breath Harris Mylonas and Akis Georgakellos - January 24, 2015 [caption id="attachment_20463" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Pinelopi Gerasimou/Monkey Cage[/caption] Joshua Tucker: Continuing our