International Forum for Democratic Studies June 2019 Newsletter

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june 2019

new working paper series examining emerging challenges to democracy

The International Forum for Democratic Studies is pleased to announce the launch of a new  series of occasional working papers examining emerging challenges to democracy in an era of globalization, including transnational kleptocracy and manipulation of the global information space.

The first working paper in the series, authored by Kurt Bassuener and entitled “Pushing on an Open Door: Foreign Authoritarian Influence in the Western Balkans,” explores the growing influence of Russia, China, Turkey, and the Gulf States in the Western Balkans, particularly in the media sphere.

The second working paper, “To Catch a Kleptocrat: Lessons Learned from the Bien Mal Acquis Trials in France” by Tutu Alicante, captures the story of how Equatoguinean Vice President Teodoro Obiang was convicted of kleptocracy-related offenses in France. It draws insight from this example to offer lessons for civil society organizations interested in using strategic litigation to combat transnational kleptocracy.

Similar content can be viewed on the Forum’s blog, Power 3.0: Understanding Modern Authoritarian Influence, and its related podcast

The Biens Mal Acquis case demonstrates that collaboration among local and international civil society organizations in all aspects of the effort—media and awareness raising, investigation, advocacy, and the litigation itself—is critical to winning the struggle against kleptocracy.” 

— tutu alicante

 

april 2019 journal of democracy: 30 YEARS AFTER TIANANMEN

The April 2019 issue of the Journal of Democracy features a set of five articles by activists and scholars reflecting on implications of the 1989 protests in Tiananmen Square for China today. The Journal also celebrates the launch of its new website.

Christopher Walker testifies on “CHINA’S INTERNATIONAL INFLUENCE ON DEMOCRACY

On June 5, NED Vice President for Studies and Analysis Christopher Walker testified before the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations on ways China is eroding and corrupting democratic standards around the world.

EVENT: BEYOND SILK AND SILVER: CHINA’S NEW ROAD IN THE AMERICAS

On April 26, the International Forum co-hosted an event with the Council of the Americas and Americas Quarterly to discuss China’s new agenda for engagement in the Americas, particularly in the region’s media, education, and ideas sphere.

Shanthi Kalathil testifies on TIANANMEN AT 30: EXAMINING THE EVOLUTION OF REPRESSION IN CHINA

On June 4, the International Forum’s Senior Director Shanthi Kalathil testified before the Congressional-Executive Commission on China and the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission on the Chinese party-state’s manipulation of the information space.

FORUM Q&A: ILYA LOZOVSKY ON THE TROIKA LAUNDROMAT INVESTIGATION

Melissa Aten of the International Forum for Democratic Studies spoke with Ilya Lozovsky about OCCRP’s recent “Troika Laundromat” investigation and the vital role collaborative journalism played in combatting transnational kleptocracy.

POWER 3.0 PODCAST: RONALD J. DIEBERT ON “SOCIAL MEDIA AND RISKS TO DIGITAL FREEDOM

Ronald J. Deibert discusses the dramatic shift in perceptions of social media and how a more problematic underside of social media has come into view that may have the effect of fueling authoritarianism.

POWER 3.0 POST: AN INTELLIGENT HUMAN RIGHTS AGENDA FOR ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

In their recent blog post, Eileen Donahoe and Megan MacDuffee Metzer argue that a shared global framework is needed to ensure that artificial intelligence is developed and applied in ways that respect human dignity and democratic accountability.

EVENT: THE ROLE OF OPEN DATA IN STRENGTHENING NIGERIAN DEMOCRACY

On June 11, Reagan-Fascell Fellow Joshua Olufemi highlighted the progress and persistent challenges in leveraging data for good governance, and provided recommendations on how expand the use of data for democracy in Nigeria.

“In an era of globalization, the struggle over fundamental values is being waged in every region and across diverse polities. How this battle plays out will define the character of the world we live in.”

Christopher Walker

 

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