πΉ WATCH | FSI scholars Colin Kahl, Larry Diamond, Or Rabinowitz, Anna GrzymaΕa-Busse, & Harold Trinkunas discuss the risks, opportunities, and policy implications in the increasingly complex global landscape of 2026. @theeuropecenter.bsky.social @stanfordcddrl.bsky.social @stanfordcisac.bsky.social
In the first of a new quarterly series of events, scholars from the Freeman Spogli Institute evaluated recent developments in world affairs, and offered an outlook for 2026. Featuring scholars from @theeuropecenter.bsky.social, @stanfordcddrl.bsky.social, @stanfordcisac.bsky.social
Four years into Russiaβs full-scale invasion, Ukrainian officials are implementing reform plans developed at Stanford across parliament, regional government, media, and defense procurement.
Read about our Strengthening Ukrainian Democracy and Development Program alumni:
https://ow.ly/9vIw50YkNcY
πΊπ¦ EVENT | Feb. 24, 12:00pm PT
To mark the fourth anniversary of the full-scale invasion, Ukrainian policymakers Oleksii Movchan, Andriy Shevchenk, and Oleksandra Ustinova will join @mcfaulmike.bsky.social and @stanfordcddrl.bsky.social director Kathryn Stoner to discuss the state of the ongoing war.
In a new essay for @notus.com, @larrydiamond.bsky.social shares a broader and longer-term view on democracy promotion βΒ why we should do it and how we can build it back better.
We hope this development contributes to continued progress toward the release of all individuals unjustly detained for peaceful civic and political engagement, in Venezuela and beyond, and toward renewed respect for human dignity, fundamental rights, and the rule of law.
JesΓΊs was detained in Venezuela in Dec. 2024 following the countryβs stolen presidential election earlier that year amid a broader wave of arrests targeting opposition organizers, journalists, and civil society actors, and his case drew sustained international concern.
We are deeply relieved by the release of JesΓΊs Armas (@jesusarmasccs.bsky.social), a Venezuelan civic leader and 2022 alumnus of CDDRL's Fisher Family Summer Fellows Program, after more than a year in detention.
Want to understand better what is happening and why in Iran? Listen to Abbas Milani here:
McFaulβs World Podcast: Talking Iran with Abbas Milani
open.substack.com/pub/michaelm...
"The fearlessness shown by the demonstrators is why this uprising may prove enduring. ...ignoring these increasingly powerful movements means forfeiting the chance to help the people of Iran rid themselves of this nightmare and to bring about a more peaceful & democratic Middle East." -Abbas Milani
In a new essay, @frankfukuyama.bsky.social argues that the real danger is not violations of international law per se, but the erosion of the norms that restrain power, and a president who recognizes only his own morality as a limit.
Thank you for joining us! The recording is now live on our YouTube channel: youtu.be/qfLS2MmYH1g?...
Read the summary above or watch the full recording: youtu.be/qfLS2MmYH1g?...
What comes after Maduro?
A panel hosted by CDDRL's Democracy Action Lab on Jan. 7 weighed competing scenarios for #Venezuelaβs political future amid elite continuity, economic crisis, and international intervention. https://ow.ly/KM8o50XU8LP
π»πͺ What comes next for #Venezuela?
Join CDDRL's Democracy Action Lab for a panel discussion examining political uncertainty, democratic reconstruction, and the risks ahead.
π
January 7, 12:00 pm PT
π Learn more: https://ow.ly/jBgN50XSeIu
Why do women participate less in politics in Nigeria?
Claire Adida presented evidence on practical interventions that help close the gap and support womenβs civic engagement. https://ow.ly/pTg350XEqWR
How does foreign aid shape bureaucratic behavior?
CDDRL postdoctoral scholar Dr. Maria Nagawa's seminar explored how aid projects affect incentives, effort, and institutional capacity. https://ow.ly/b5EU50XEqRf
Can financial literacy shift climate beliefs across party lines?
Saumitra Jha presented new evidence showing that personal financial exposure can influence support for climate policy. https://ow.ly/z1tb50XEqO4
The Fisher Family Summer Fellows Program is a unique forum for emerging leaders to connect, exchange experiences & explore new models and frameworks to enhance their ability to promote democratic change in their home countries.
Apply by January 15: https://cddrl.fsi.stanford.edu/summerfellows/apply
Why do authoritarian regimes repress elections selectively?
UC Davis political scientist Lauren Young joined CDDRL to explain how elite cohesion shapes when and how electoral repression gets deployed. https://cddrl.fsi.stanford.edu/news/elite-cohesion-and-politics-electoral-repression
Opposition parties often look abroad for leverage.
CDDRL's Einstein-Moos Postdoctoral Fellow Oren Samet explained how βopposition diplomacyβ draws attention to repression and shapes international pressure, while exposing challengers to real risks.
#Ukrainian practitioners & policymakers: Apply now for CDDRL's Strengthening Ukrainian Democracy and Development (SU-DD) Program β a short-term training program to foster actionable solutions to current challenges for Ukrainian democracy & human developmentβ‘οΈ https://cddrl.fsi.stanford.edu/su-dd
Democratic revolutions can be powerful β and fragile.
Georgetown School of Foreign Service assistant professor Killian Clarke joined CDDRL to discuss why counterrevolutions emerge even after successful uprisings. https://ow.ly/uj8c50XEnhu
"My influence on policy has been felt primarily through the work that my students go on to do."
Read our new Q&A with Marcel Fafchamps and view his keynote address on Behavioral Markets from our recent symposium celebrating his career and contributions: https://ow.ly/fF8v50XEr4i
How does economic pressure undermine democratic opposition?
Pre-doctoral fellow Hanna Folsz presented her research in a CDDRL seminar showing how targeted retaliation contributes to declining opposition quality in Hungary. https://ow.ly/QMay50XE98a
The EU faces a growing internal challenge: democratic erosion from within.
Visiting Professor of Law Kim Lane Scheppele joined CDDRL on Nov. 19 to explain how backsliding in member states threatens the Unionβs legal and political foundations. https://ow.ly/OK5r50XE8Cl
π£οΈ Calling all democracy activists! There is still time to apply for the 2026 Fisher Family Summer Fellows Program at Stanford to participate in a life-changing experience!
Applications close January 15 at 11:59 pm PST. Learn more and get started β‘οΈ https://cddrl.fsi.stanford.edu/summerfellows/apply
Police-led armed groups play a powerful and often hidden role in Rio de Janeiro.
At a Nov. 20 seminar, CDDRL's Gerhard Casper Postdoctoral Fellow in Rule of Law Ana Paula Pellegrino shared new research on how these groups form and what sets them apart. https://ow.ly/lJoE50XE8QA
Looking for a fresh winter read or a last-minute gift? Check out these books from CDDRL faculty that have been published over the last year β‘οΈ https://ow.ly/9eq450XFpHa
π³οΈ How do lessons from 2024 shape what to expect in 2026?
On Dec. 4, Nate Persily joined CDDRL to break down what went right, what went wrong, and why election administration remains a critical vulnerability for U.S. democracy. https://ow.ly/Ob0K50XE89z
