How Democracies Die
Steven Levitsky and Daniel Ziblett’s book “How Democracies Die” discusses what factors weaken democracy, and what ultimately causes the downfall of democracy.
Reflecting on Linz’s litmus test for undemocratic politicians, the authors put light on Donald J. Trump’s political career. To save democracy, the authors put forth two ways: mutual tolerance and institutional forbearance.
The Iranian Nuclear Deal: What Has Changed During Biden’s Term?
The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) – a deal to limit Iran’s nuclear capability – fell apart after the former US president, Donald Trump, pulled the US out of the deal in 2018 and imposed sanctions on Iran. The author, Habiba Ali, notes that although the Biden administration is well aware of the importance of such an agreement with Iran, the latter has made it clear that without an end to the sanctions on it, the JCPOA cannot be reinitiated. Furthermore, despite the two states’ interest in restoring the deal, the 2021 negotiations in Vienna and Tehran have failed to revive it.
Israel and Trump: The Weakening Peace Prospects for Palestine
President Trump’s era proved to be markedly different from the traditional policies and narratives of past presidents. President Trump has pursued an increasingly biased foreign policy towards Israel – bestowing Israel with legitimation, and acceptance of its oppressive and violent policies in Palestine. By appointing like-minded officials on important positions, the president had made it clear that he would not be accommodating the Palestinians and their demands.
Post-2020 Elections: The Looming U.S. Civil War
With the culmination of the U.S. elections, the ineluctable civil war seems like a reasonably credible follow-up to the grim developments of 2020. America might not even get to experience the calm that is before the storm.
America amid the Tumultuous 2020 Presidential Election
The 2020 US Presidential election is here, and the results are greatly anticipated, with Covid-19 becoming an influential consideration. The results of this election would most probably determine the fate of America’s democracy.
Trump’s Language of Populism and Construction of Identity
Although populism has had a known existence in the United States, it has greatly amplified since Trump’s announcement of his candidacy in the 2016 U.S. elections. President Trump’s abrasive and blunt speech has materialized the very paradigm of populism in politics.
The George Floyd Protests: A Nation Struggling For Breath
George Floyd’s death was fuel for the Black Lives Matter movement across America and the world. However, it remains to be seen whether the outcome will impact years of policy inertia. The protests have achieved a few things: from banning chokeholds to raising the issue of police brutality in the national and global consciousness. The coming American elections are likely to show how years of oppression and injustice galvanize change.