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] Any use of U.S. ground troops - even for a limited mission - could pose significant political risks for Trump, given low - American public support for the Iran campaign and Trump's own pre-election promises to avoid entangling the U.S. in new Middle East conflicts. The Daily Star
• [New] West Virginia will allow election officials to challenge a voter's residency based on a new, stringent set of residency factors. Brennan Center for Justice
• [New] States have multiple checks in place to prevent non-U.S. citizens from voting, yet multiple states have enacted laws premised on the myth of widespread noncitizen voting that will block some eligible American citizens from casting ballots. Brennan Center for Justice
• [New] We must find a legitimate, safe and realistic mechanism that will allow Ukraine to restore a full-fledged democratic process even in a protracted war. EADaily
• [New] The PRC will likely use Taiwan's 2026 local elections as a testing ground for election interference operations and as a barometer of the PRC's ability to influence Taiwanese politics and public opinion prior to the 2028 election. American Enterprise Institute - AEI
• [New] Brazil's two main presidential candidates have inaugurated their campaigns by mustering supporters in their political strongholds ahead of what is expected to be a fierce October election. Al Jazeera
• [New] Russia will use its parliamentary election next month as a pretext to declare a new mobilization. Al Jazeera
• [New] The US will most likely reach the $41.1 trillion debt limit sometime between late winter and mid-summer of 2027, requiring Congress to again vote on whether to raise or suspend it.
• [New] Taiwan is rapidly increasing its rate of drone exports, seeking to make itself an indispensable supplier of components for other democratic states that want to reduce their reliance on Chinese parts, which raise concerns about supply disruptions, or espionage.
• [New] Framing Taiwan's future primarily through the preferences of the two major powers risked sidelining the democratic choices of Taiwan's 23 million residents. Global Security Review
• [New] Political uncertainty ahead of Kenya's 2027 general election could delay investment, slow economic reforms and weaken business confidence. Africanews
• Critics decry Israel's sweeping media reforms, warning of further risks to press freedom and election integrity. Al Jazeera
• Berlin will hold a state election in September. The Guardian
• 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
• 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
• 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
• 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
• 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
• 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
• 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
• Election experts have widely dismissed claims that non-citizen voting is a threat to the outcome of the US elections. Al Jazeera

Last updated: 23 August 2026