Global Scans · Democracy · Weekly Summary

WHAT'S NEXT?: Society is expressing its discontent with current democratic processes that leave the elites struggling to convince their voters of their good intentions and competencies. Read on to see how democracy is offering both great opportunities and risks while this period of volatility shakes out.

• [New] While narrower than California's climate disclosure laws and impacting only specific high emissions sectors, the New York regulations are another indication that some states with Democratic party majorities will seek to mandate climate disclosures in the future. JD Supra
• [New] Without the election of President Trump and a dramatic shift in energy policy, blackouts could have increased 100 times in 2030.Nuclear Power will play an important role in unleashing more affordable, reliable and secure electricity to the American people. Energy.gov
• [New] What is unfolding in New York, California, Hawaii and Minnesota is the spearhead of a broader capitalist offensive that threatens democratic rights, economic security and social cohesion. World Socialist Web Site
• [New] Divisions within the Syrian Democratic Forces, which have reportedly impeded the year-long integration negotiations, threaten to prolong fighting between the SDF and the Syrian government in eastern Aleppo Province and risk further destabilizing northeastern Syria. Critical Threats
• [New] Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party plans to allow lawmakers linked to its slush fund scandal to run on proportional representation lists in the next election. The Asia Cable
• [New] Wood Mackenzie flags the risk that election-year politics complicate fiscal decision-making and keep trade policy unsettled, particularly as tariff measures and negotiations with China remain unresolved. Metal Tech News
• [New] Programs like the U.S.-EU Democracy Dialog, now dormant, could expand into a permanent platform for democratic innovation. ECPS
• [New] The political risks of a referendum are underlined by the 2024 vote on adding EU accession to the constitution, which squeaked through with 49.65% of Moldovans voting against. CEPA
• [New] Pre-election spending ahead of the 2027 general elections could fuel demand-side pressures, while any resurgence in exchange rate volatility or oil price shocks could quickly reverse recent gains. NCIRCULAR
• [New] Portugal's presidential election will proceed to its first runoff in 40 years, as exit polls indicate former Socialist leader Antonio Jose Seguro secured 30-35% of the vote in the initial round, leading a fragmented field. GeopoliticsUnplugged Substack
• [New] French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu will risk his government's survival by ramming a state budget through parliament without a vote to break a monthslong legislative deadlock. Politico
• [New] Nine out of 10 Germans now see US political influence in Europe as pernicious, evidently fearing the open encouragement of far-right, Russia-friendly parties, as happened in Germany's federal election in February last year. Al Jazeera
• [New] In Germany, the arrest of five teenagers linked to the far-right group Last Wave of Defence underscored the growing threat posed by digitally networked extremist cells aiming to undermine democratic institutions. WTW
• [New] The 2026 election marks an important moment in Thailand's electoral process and public participation in governance, offering an opportunity to outline future policy priorities. null
• [New] AI poses substantial threats and opportunities for democracy in an important year ahead for global democracy. (Roughly) Daily
• [New] South Korea needs to execute all emergency power, civil-military oversight, and judicial procedure reforms, which will enhance democratic principles instead of creating more political disagreements. Eurasia Review
• [New] South Korean judicial institutions protect constitutional law better than multiple established democracies, yet it exposes essential system weaknesses which will determine South Korea's path toward democratic growth. Eurasia Review
• [New] The dismantling of USAID could result in more than 14 million deaths by 2030, including over 4 million children under 5 years old in countries like Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Colombia. The Conversation
• [New] U.S. democracy is at greater risk than at any time since Watergate, and it may even be approaching its pre-Civil Rights Movement lowpoint. News & Photo Features
• [New] Uganda's 2026 election is expected to extend President Museveni's rule, amid suppressed opposition and state control. GeopoliticsUnplugged Substack
• [New] If the US Congress is in the hands of the opposition Democratic Party, the US President will be lucky to avoid impeachment leave alone getting any legislative agenda passed. The Indian Express
• [New] Uganda will hold a presidential election today. Everything Briefing
• [New] Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi plans to dissolve parliament next week and call a snap general election. CNBC

Last updated: 25 January 2026