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] If Taiwan, out of fear, opts for unconditional political concessions, it could fall into a situation similar to Hong Kong, where its democratic institutions are dismantled, society faces intensified political repression, capital flees, and talent drains away, leading to long-term economic decline. E-International Relations
• [New] The Bahamas will hold a snap parliamentary election today. Everything Briefing
• [New] Poland sees the 2027 parliamentary election cycle approaching with Tusk's Civic Platform retaining majority polling. The Rio Times
• [New] Being a liberal democracy in a world trending authoritarian will not be easy for Canada, to say the least. The Hill Times
• [New] The Supreme Court's weakening of the Voting Rights Act, combined with new citizenship verification requirements, risks disenfranchising millions and sharply reducing Black political representation. Brookings
• [New] China anticipates potential political tension in the US, which could include the use of military force by the administration of President Donald Trump if election results are contested. RBC-Ukraine
• [New] While China has made no threats to cut off supplies to Taiwan or other economies, the self-ruled democracy routinely carries out exercises to prepare for potential hostilities by the People's Liberation Army. financialpost
• [New] Political violence is taking center stage in Kenya's run-up to 2027's election, with the term goonism now widely used to describe gangs accused of disrupting rallies, intimidating rivals, and deepening fears over democratic backsliding. OkayAfrica
• [New] Continued fighting in eastern Congo could make it impossible to hold the next presidential election on time in 2028, reviving fears of a prolonged political crisis in the conflict-hit country. OkayAfrica
• [New] Few countries on earth hold the geological potential of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Mining Weekly
• [New] Globally, many indicators of authoritarianism and repression of democratic civil society are flashing red, which strongly suggests that the phenomenon of relocated civic actors will grow. gmfus
• [New] Thousands of the residents of Minnesota will be voting for their candidates in the Minneapolis Mayoral race, with prospects emerging of the first Somali-American politician likely to win, in a tightly contested race within the Democratic Party zone. Garowe Online
• [New] By offering a credible prospect, it could help prepare the ground for normalising relations when Turkey does return to a path of democracy. CEPS
• [New] Healthcare costs will influence whether and how they vote in November, and more than half say it will have a major impact. Marketplace
• [New] Most consequentially, Turkey's wider region will gain a stable, democratic state with the rule of law at its core. Journal of Democracy
• [New] Across the world, democratic standards are eroding, and Turkey no longer receives the solidarity and moral support it once might have expected. Journal of Democracy
• [New] American democracy now faces its most crucial test because political parties will do anything necessary to gain power. The Fino Partners
• [New] Once seen as a reliable base for the Labour Party, the Muslim community's growing support for independent candidates and the Green Party is now being framed as a threat to democracy. / UK The Guardian

Last updated: 17 May 2026