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An Authoritarian Turn in Contemporary Germany? – In Conversation with Robin Celikates
In Part 1 of this podcast, Prof. Celikates examines the German government’s repression of pro-Palestinian protests and voices, discusses Germany’s broader protest culture, and reflects on the notion of Staatsräson.
26.11.2025
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Chile’s Left at a Crossroads: What Sunday’s Primary Reveals About the Country’s Democratic Drift
As Chile’s left prepares to choose its presidential candidate in a low-profile primary this Sunday, the stakes are higher than they seem. The vote offers a revealing snapshot of an opposition grappling with internal fragmentation, an emboldened right, and a disoriented electorate. Can the left reinvent itself before the 2025 elections?
27.06.2025
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All Together or None of Us – Part II: Turkey’s New Democracy Movement and Future
When Istanbul’s mayor, Ekrem İmamoğlu, was arrested, Turkey’s democratic future reached a breaking point. In this two-part series, Murat Somer examines how that moment united the long-divided social and political opposition, sparking an unprecedented wave of mobilization and strategic innovation that holds the potential to turn into an enduring and consequential democracy movement. Part I recounts the events that triggered mass resistance. Part II explores the movement’s evolving strategies, emerging alliances, and political stakes for Turkey’s future. ← Missed the backstory? Read Part I: The Arrest that Sparked Turkey’s Democratic Uprising
24.04.2025
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The Tusk Doctrine: How Does Poland Want to Lead Europe?
Poland is taking on the rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union at a time when it is emerging as a crucial player in European politics. With a focus on defense, Ukraine, and balancing green policies with economic competitiveness, Poland’s leadership marks a pivotal moment for Europe’s future.
27.01.2025
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How Germany’s Fiscal Orthodoxy Toppled Its Government and Imperils Its Future
On November 6, 2024, Chancellor Olaf Scholz dismissed Finance Minister Christian Lindner, ending Germany’s “traffic light” coalition in dramatic fashion. This wasn’t just a matter of personal differences—it was the inevitable result of a fiscal orthodoxy that has shackled Germany’s economy for over a decade. Dogged adherence to balanced budgets has systematically thwarted critical investments in infrastructure, climate action, and digitalization, while external demand masked the model’s flaws. With export markets shrinking in the United States and China, the enablers of this approach have fallen, exposing deep cracks in the foundations of Germany’s economic model. Yet the political obstacles to dismantling this self-harming paradigm remain formidable.
11.12.2024
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Red Flags and Writings on the Wall? Rising Threats to Democracy on Both Sides of the Atlantic
Donald Trump has been re-elected in the United States, and Germany is preparing for snap elections in February 2025. Both countries are likely to face political changes as they are witnessing the rise of anti-establishment movements. How resilient is democracy in Germany and the United States? Should we worry?
3.12.2024
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The Recipe Trump Will Hopefully Not Read Attentively – Measuring the US’ Political Prospects by the ‘Gold Standard’ of De-Democratization
Given all the grave concerns regarding the future of democratic norms and institutions in the US, Hungary’s transformation under Viktor Orbán’s rule offers the kind of warning that observers would ignore at their own peril. Considering the key ingredients on Orbán’s recipe of de-democratization can also help us develop a sense of proportions and nuance about what is likely to unfold under Donald Trump’s upcoming second term.
13.11.2024
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Spirals of Radicalization – Reflections on a Terrifying Anniversary
Following the shocking crimes committed on October 7 last year, the leadership of the State of Israel has unwittingly walked into the terrifying trap set by Hamas. Its counterattack, which has resulted in mass casualties among Palestinians and the destruction of Gaza, has raised the Palestinian question to a whole new level while bringing the State of Israel’s international reputation to a nadir. Underlying the current cataclysm is Israel's growing inability to reconcile the fundamental contradiction between its Jewish identity and its democratic claims. Meanwhile, right-wing illiberal and radical leftist responses in the West bear clear marks of the spiral of radicalization in the Middle East, hampering the urgently needed process of reconciliation and the emergence of a viable long-term settlement.
7.10.2024
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We Need Better Cohesion in Europe Because We Need Reforms and New Resources – Mikuláš Dzurinda on Slovakia’s Path, the European People’s Party, and the Future of Ukraine
In our latest podcast, Mikuláš Dzurinda – President of the Wilfried Martens Centre and former Prime Minister of Slovakia – discusses the changes that EU membership has brought to Slovakia; reflects on the recent rightward shift in Europe and how this might influence the EPP's priorities; analyzes potential changes in Slovak foreign policy and the relationship with Hungary; and argues for Ukraine’s NATO accession.
30.09.2024
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Expansion and Reinvigoration – The Review of Democracy in Its Fourth Year
Now in its fourth year, the Review of Democracy – the journal of the CEU Democracy Institute – has undertaken notable changes in recent months and expanded in exciting new directions. Let us begin with what has not changed. Our journal continues to be dedicated to the reinvigoration, survival, and prosperity of democracies worldwide, and it delivers analyses, reflections, research, and opinion pieces. We are a diverse team of young, engaged scholars whose common aim is to inform public discussions around democracy by way of coverage of cutting-edge scholarship and the publication of thought-provoking new ideas in accessible formats. Our journal continues to be generously supported by the Open Society University Network.
7.09.2024
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Call for Applications: Assistant Editors – CLOSED
The Review of Democracy (RevDem) is happy to announce a new internship opportunity. Background: The CEU Democracy Institute (DI) is a research institute examining and seeking solutions to the challenges democracy faces across the globe. Based in Budapest, Hungary, the DI is embedded in a worldwide network of affiliated academic institutions. The Review of Democracy (RevDem) is the online journal of the DI. Its main areas of interest include history of ideas, political economy and inequalities, the rule of law, the relationship between democracy and culture, and cross-regional dialogue. Role of the assistant editors: RevDem is looking for assistant editors to work closely with the editors of various RevDem sections, and to contribute to interviews, podcasts, op-eds, essays, and book reviews. Specifically, the assistant editors will be expected to: – Work with the editors, supporting and advising on their work; – [...]
15.07.2024
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What Stops China from Ruling the World? – Ho-fung Hung on the Problems Plaguing China’s Development Model and Its Limited Influence in the World
In this conversation with the Review of Democracy, Ho-fung Hung shares his eye-opening analysis of the internal contradictions and external limitations plaguing China’s export-led development model and offers novel insights into the difficulties its political leadership is encountering in challenging US hegemony and extending its global sphere of influence. While acknowledging China’s impressive achievements, Hung emphasizes China’s technological dependency and chronic industrial overcapacity, the impact of the rise of protectionism, the hegemony of the US dollar, and China’s lack of confidence in its military capabilities. At the same time, he forecasts the intensification of US-Chinese rivalry in connection with the gradual decoupling of the US and Chinese economies.
12.06.2024
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The Péter Magyar Phenomenon
Veni, Vidi, Vici? We do not know yet. However, Hungarian public discourse in the past few months has revolved around the so-called “Péter Magyar Phenomenon.” Andrea Szabó and Annamária Sebestyén (HUN-REN Center for Social Sciences, Institute for Political Science) share their insights into the reasons behind Péter Magyar's success from a perspective that has so far been neglected: how a deepening political vacuum has fostered collective longings.
5.06.2024
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Beautiful Russia of the Future is Dead
According to Russian official sources, Kremlin critic and leading opposition politician Alexei Navalny died in prison. Yuri Terekhov reflects on the news and his life. Today, at the age of 47, Alexei Navalny, one of the leading critics of the Kremlin, a star of the Russian liberal opposition, and the leader of the Anti-Corruption Foundation, passed away. He survived an assassination attempt, courageously returned to Russia three years ago, only to be sentenced to decades of torture in one of the most notorious Arctic prisons. Let’s be honest. This is an overt political assassination. I dare say that along with him, the dream of many Russians of a “Beautiful Russia of the Future,” of a chance for democratic change within the existing system through peaceful means, has finally perished. I remember chanting “Putin is a thief” at protest rallies, but that was a mistake. The past few years have vividly shown the world that he is a murderer and a maniac. [...]
16.02.2024
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The War in Ukraine and Transition: In Conversation with Maria Popova
Despite, or perhaps due to, the war in Ukraine there have been positive developments in combating corruption and other issues in anticipation of EU membership. In this RevDem Rule of Law podcast Teodora Miljojkovic discusses these issues around transition with Professor Maria Popova.
20.06.2023
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From democracy to authoritarian capitalism
In this op-ed, Gábor Scheiring explores the latest Freedom House Nations in Transit Report, its implications for Hungary, and how the report only reveals the tip of the iceberg of the democratic backsliding in Hungary.
16.06.2023
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A life for power? Viktor Orbán’s long affair with Hungary
Do the familiar tropes of anti-tyrannical literature explain anything about what happened and is still happening in contemporary Hungary, a country that has changed so profoundly not only as compared to its post-1989 realities but from its 2010 self too?
30.05.2023
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A Paranational World — Naturalization, Fiction and Edges of Nationality
In conversation with RevDem editor Kasia Krzyżanowska, Dr. Stephanie DeGooyer discusses her recent publication Before Borders: A Legal and Literary History of Naturalization (Johns Hopkins University Press, 2022).
15.05.2023
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“A Pandemic of Populists”: RevDem online book discussion
On 28 March the Review of Democracy hosted an online debate on "A Pandemic of Populists" (CUP, 2022) by Wojciech Sadurski (University of Sydney). Hosted by CEU Democracy Institute Workgroup Lead Researcher Dimitry Kochenov, the debate brought together perspectives from Barbara Grabowska-Moroz (CEU), Zuzana Vikarská (Masaryk University), and Thiago Amparo (FGV Sao Paulo Law School).
14.04.2023
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The Challenges of Public History Under Illiberal Rule: Gábor Gyáni Launches the Jenő Szűcs Lecture Series
On February 21, 2023, the Democracy in History workgroup of the CEU Democracy Institute launched its Jenő Szűcs Series. The first public lecture in the series was delivered by Gábor Gyáni under the title “Telling the Truth (or Not?) About History. Dilemmas of Public History.” As emphasized by co-organizer Gábor Klaniczay in his opening remarks, the ongoing lecture series honours, adopts and develops the critical approach of the late Hungarian historian Jenő Szűcs regarding the ideologically defined viewpoint of authoritarian states on history and society.
5.04.2023
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Cautious Celebration over Compelled Retreat on Foreign Agent Law in Georgia
Mariam Begadze provides recent updates and context on the Georgian Law on Agents of Foreign Influence, which lawmakers from the ruling Georgian Dream party yesterday pledged to unconditionally withdraw following intense protests.
10.03.2023
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Constitutional Democracy’s Civic and Social Dimensions. On the Czech Presidential Election
Jiří Přibáň comments the outcome of the recent presidential elections in the Czech Republic.
1.02.2023
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New Year Special
In a special edition of the RevDem podcast, our editors Laszlo Bruszt, Oliver Garner, Kasia Krzyżanowska, Ferenc Laczo, Michał Matlak, and Renata Uitz discuss their favorite RevDem content, best books and articles they have read, most important political events of 2022 and more. At the end of the episode, they are joined by the authors of the most popular piece of 2022 published by RevDem: an op-ed by Elżbieta Krzyżanowska and Pavel Skigin “The discourse of privilege: Western Europe and the Russian War against Ukraine.”
11.01.2023
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Launch of CEU Democracy Institute Working Paper Series: Andreas Schedler – “Basic Democratic Trust”
The CEU DI Working Paper series has launched today. The first publication is “Basic Democratic Trust” by Andreas Schedler, Lead Researcher of the DI’s De- and Re-Democratization (DRD) Workgroup.
9.01.2023
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RevDem Debate: Rainbow families in the EU: obstacles to full equality
This debate is based on a report „Obstacles to the Free Movement of Rainbow Families in the EU” written for the European Parliament by Alina Tryfonidou. The debate will take place on Thursday, 27.10.2022 at 6 PM CET on RevDem's Facebook page
24.10.2022
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War in Ukraine: 10 essential readings and interviews
On the occasion of Ukraine's Independence Day, we present key texts and interviews on the Russian invasion and its aftermath
24.08.2022
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The War in Ukraine and the Refugee Crisis
Dr. Marta Jaroszewicz elaborates on the current refugee crisis as the result of the war in Ukraine, the situation in the neighbouring countries, and the EU refugee protection.
24.03.2022
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We’re looking for assistant editors!
The Review of Democracy is looking for five assistant editors interested in one (or more) of these thematic fields: history of ideas, debates on the future of Europe, the state of democracy in various parts of the world & political economy.
11.03.2022
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The Future of Rule of Law Constitutionalism in Hungary. A high-level debate
CEU Democracy Institute and Review of Democracy are organising a high-level debate with Péter Márki-Zay, András Sajó, Kim Lane Scheppele, Michal Šimečka on the future of constitutionalism in Hungary
29.01.2022
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The New Czech Government and the Perspectives for Central Europe [ONLINE EVENT]
What were the outcomes of Czech elections? Can they serve as inspiration for other Central European liberal democracies? While these are the key topics of the webinar, the participants will also discuss their perspectives on the new Czech government and the nature of the Andrij Babis government.
7.12.2021
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Democracy Rules: A Book Discussion with Jan-Werner Müller and His Critics
Review of Democracy will host a discussion of the book with the author to be moderated by Zsolt Enyedi (Central European University) and with three prominent voices in the field: Gráinne de Búrca (New York University), Jan Kubik (Rutgers University and University College London), Jeffrey C. Isaac (Indiana University) and Karolina Wigura (University of Warsaw)
8.07.2021
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[RevDem Launch Event] Conference on the Future of Europe: Democratic Innovation or Business as Usual?
May 9th marked the opening of the Conference on the Future of Europe. In the debate we organised one day later, the panellists discussed its objectives, how to achieve them and whether it can give a new impetus to European integration.
18.05.2021
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There is still hope. Interview with Adam Bodnar, Polish Ombudsman
On April 21, Review of Democracy and CEU Democracy Institute hosted Adam Bodnar, Polish Ombudsman.
30.04.2021
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We are looking for assistant editors!
Take a look at our Internship & Mentorship Programme for PhD students from CIVICA network.
14.04.2021
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DI and RevDem Event: What Price the Rule of Law?
On 25 January the CEU Democracy Institute hosted Commissioner Didier Reynders and MEP Katalin Cseh for a debate on the new EU Regulation on Rule of Law conditionality. In this first editorial of the RevDem Rule of Law section, editor Oliver Garner and assistant editor Teodora Miljojkovic reflect on the implications for constitutional democracy of the impression that the Rule of Law comes at a price.
19.03.2021
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The Future of Democracy in EU Member States
Michał Matlak summarises the debate on the future of democracy in Member States.
19.03.2021
