Islamists’ ‘urge to purge’? Egypt’s Brotherhood presents ‘serious challenge’ to inclusion=moderation theory

The theory of inclusion/moderation posits that the more ideologically fanatical parties are included in the political process, the more realistic, pragmatic and respectful of democratic rules they become. But this has not been the case with Egypt’s Muslim Brotherhood, writes

Remembering Max Kampelman – democracy as a way of life

 

“Some twenty-three years ago, Ambassador Max Kampelman (above) —former nuclear arms reduction negotiator with the Soviet Union and Counselor to the Department of State—decided that I needed a bit of diplomatic experience and invited me to be a public

UN experts criticize Russian NGO law: Kremlin ‘paradigm shift’ to arbitrary police power

Russia should revise a law that is having “obstructive, intimidating and stigmatizing effects” on the country’s non-governmental organizations, three United Nations experts said today. The report coincides with growing concern that a former Kremlin ideologue’s resignation signals that the regime

Yemen ‘starting a new phase’ with ‘unique post-revolutionary political process’

“We are starting a new phase,” Nobel peace laureate Tawakkol Karman recently told crowds at Sana’a’s Change Square, expressing a sentiment that’s come to be shared by leading analysts.

“Maybe the most unique post-revolutionary political process happening in any country

‘Real breakthrough’ on Syrian transition? But Western powers differ as regime ‘shows no signs of cracking’

“Syria’s main opposition bloc wants to consult its allies before deciding on joining a U.S.-Russia initiative to negotiate a peaceful transition, Associated Press reports:

The time, venue and agenda of the conference have not been set, reflecting disagreements between

Social media fuel civil challenge to China’s ruling party?

 

Last month’s deadly earthquake in China’s Sichuan Province may have generated political as well as geological seismic shocks that could ultimately present a “fundamental threat” to the ruling Communist party, analysts suggest.

“The rapid grass-roots response to the

‘Politics is not for superheroes’


 

“I’m a trouble maker. I’ve been one all my life,” Laura Alonso told Lillian Cunningham:

Alonso, an outspoken congresswoman in Argentina representing Buenos Aires, ….. took office in December 2009, after years of working as an activist for

Syria: intervene, push for elections, or stabilize and disarm?

“The use of chemical weapons in Syria has increased pressure on President Obama to arm the opposition,” says Zalmay Khalilzad (right), a former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, Iraq and Afghanistan.

“Earlier in the conflict, I endorsed such a

The European Endowment for Democracy – a driver of change?

Central and East European democrats with direct experience of democratic transitions are better qualified to offer advice on democratization, according to the head of the new European Endowment for Democracy. The EED is “inspired” by the example of the US-based

U.S. Government Funding for Media Assistance: Trends and Strategies

The realm of U.S. government assistance for media development is in flux. Based on funding statistics, U.S. government support for international media development is in decline. But does this mesh with realities on the ground?

The process and variety of …