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] Critics decry Israel's sweeping media reforms, warning of further risks to press freedom and election integrity. Al Jazeera
• [New] Berlin will hold a state election in September. The Guardian
• [New] One in three Scots were worried they could lose their home in the coming years, while 61% were more likely to vote for parties who prioritised action on homelessness. The Guardian
• [New] Turkey's path to EU membership remains blocked as Brussels warns that Ankara has failed to reverse its democratic backsliding or address deep concerns over the rule of law, fundamental freedoms, and political pluralism. GreekReporter.com
• [New] The United States will continue to support Venezuelan-led efforts that produce tangible progress toward a peaceful and democratic electoral transition, while working alongside the Venezuelan people as they recover and rebuild their country. United States Department of State
• [New] In Europe, Hungary's election will test Prime Minister Viktor Orban's long hold on power in April, while in the Middle East, Israel is set to hold a closely contested legislative election by October, against a backdrop of ongoing political and regional tensions. Statista Daily Data
• [New] Among the most closely watched elections are the U.S. midterm elections in November, which will determine control of Congress, as well as Brazil's general election in October, where voters will elect a president, legislature and state governments. Statista Daily Data
• [New] If done right, it represents a historic opportunity to convert a dramatic shift in Venezuela's geopolitical alignment with Washington into a stable democratic order. Atlantic Council
• [New] The Democratic Republic of the Congo might even be more alluring for adventurers, given its UNESCO World Heritage sites like Virunga National Park and Kahuzi-Biega National Park, along with the world's largest lava lake at Virunga National Park. Yahoo Travel
• [New] Election experts have widely dismissed claims that non-citizen voting is a threat to the outcome of the US elections. Al Jazeera
• [New] A fundamental fault line has emerged that threatens to reshape the traditional relationship between Christian Churches and Christian Democratic parties: the contentious issue of migration and asylum policy. Nature
• [New] The US Department of Justice sent letters to election officials in every state threatening potential criminal charges for officials if noncitizens vote, an escalation in an ongoing push by the federal government. The Guardian
• India, as the world's most populous democracy and the fourth-largest economy with a projected GDP of $4.19 trillion in 2026, plays a key role in the global landscape. PWOnlyIAS
• Technological risks are rising globally, with misinformation and disinformation ranking 5th worldwide, reflecting growing threats to democratic processes and social trust. Drishti IAS
• The history of freedom in America has always been expressed through space: who could own land, who could attend school, who could vote, who could occupy public spaces, who could secure a mortgage, and who could build wealth through homeownership. AIA Virginia
• A woodwork teacher in the eastern German state of Saxony-Anhalt has triggered a dispute over political expression in the classroom ahead of a regional election in two months that could produce radical changes in schools if the far-right AfD wins. Counter Extremism Project
• Across the globe, existential opportunities, emancipative values, and liberal democracy have been rising in astonishing unison, promoting a more encompassing trend toward human empowerment. Journal of Democracy
• Mexico's 2027 midterm elections will constitute the most consequential political contest since the 2024 presidential election. Texas Public Policy Foundation - TPPF's mission is to p
• Allied governments committed to democratic values might require additional support when climate disasters strike, for instance when Boko Haram aims to exploit droughts in the Lake Chad region. Default
• Pursuant to a recent change in Delaware law, individuals registering to vote through the DMV will soon be given the opportunity to select a political party affiliation as part of the voter registration process. Delaware Department of Elections
• The Federal Communications Commission will vote to eliminate a rule that requires Internet service providers to list all of their so-called passthrough fees on an easily accessible broadband price label. Techdirt
• While China might have the tools to exert influence over elections, it recognizes that attempts to do so would likely be exposed and lead to backlash, and thus sees little reason to take proactive measures against election infrastructure. Techdirt

Last updated: 09 August 2026