Nationalism, the Parti Quebecois, and the 2012 Quebec General Election
The election of Pauline Marois should be seen as another nationalist challenge to Canada’s national unity. Yet, with only 32 percent of the popular vote, her powers to hold a referendum are constrained.
Twin Gods, Twin Fears: Religion and Politics
Modern democracies have many lessons to learn from history about how religion can be treacherous. But the temptation to ban traditional religion from democratic politics will not ultimately serve democratic purposes.
The Lightning Impeachment of Paraguay’s President Lugo
The decision by the Paraguayan Chamber of Deputies to impeach President Fernando Lugo revealed the major fault lines of Paraguay’s transition to democracy. It was a political crisis waiting to happen.
A Weak State with a ‘Strong State’ Tradition: The Case of Turkey
Turkey is more democratic and more liberal than in past decades. But a state stuck between the mosque and the barrack cannot be called a strong state.
When Tiers Clash: Devolution vs. Democracy in Pakistan
Pakistani political parties may be right that at the local level they will be outcompeted by local elites, but they are mistaken to think that means they must ignore local politics.
Turkey’s New Constitution: Transformation, Democratization, and Living Together
Without a new constitution, Turkey seems to be unable to consolidate its democracy and strengthen the culture of living together in diversity. Recent developments have made a new, civil, and democratic constitution necessary, and increasingly popular.
‘Democracy is in Peril’: Agonistic Pluralism after the Greek Election
What should be taken from the Greek election is that the political institutions of the country offered, and the electorate seriously considered, an alternative.
Would Scottish Independence Matter to Basques?
There has not been much consideration of how Scotland potentially seceding from the UK might impact the Basque movement in Spain. Despite the many similarities between the two cases, it is unlikely to have much impact.
An Election Short on Hope: Mexico 2012
Mexico’s recent Presidential election returned the PRI back to power twelve years after the party was ousted. Numerous problems continue to plague the country. This election won’t change that.
“Welcome to North Korea,” Predicting the Effect of Russia’s new Protest Law
While Russia is not likely to emerge as North Korea, or even Belarus, it is likely that the state will continue to engage in a complex strategy of repression to maintain its position.
