Markets and Democracy in the 21st Century is a major research area of CFR's Civil Society, Markets, and Democracy initiative. Many viewed the end of the Cold War as the triumph of the Western model of liberal capitalist democracy. Today, however, that is no longer clear. China’s rise has produced an alternative system of "authoritarian capitalism;" attempts to build enduring democratic institutions in Iraq and Afghanistan have faced deep challenges; and the economic crisis of recent years has rattled faith in open markets. The Civil Society, Markets, and Democracy initiative is examining issues surrounding economic and political openness and reform—and the United States’ efforts to promote these goals—in the context of current debates.
Please see below for relevant publications.
In a meeting conducted via video conference, Aung San Suu Kyi discusses recent changes in Myanmar, her decision to rejoin the political system, and Myanmar-U.S. relations.
See more in Burma/Myanmar, Democracy and Human Rights, Rule of Law
In a meeting conducted via videoconference, Aung San Suu Kyi discusses recent changes in Myanmar, her decision to rejoin the political system, and Myanmar-U.S. relations.
See more in Burma/Myanmar, Democracy and Human Rights, Rule of Law
Egyptians headed to the polls Monday in the first parliamentary elections since the ouster of former president Hosni Mubarak amid deepening divisions in society and concern about the nation's direction. Join CFR senior fellow Ed Husain, who is currently in Cairo, for an analysis of the elections and the path ahead.
Egyptians headed to the polls Monday in the first parliamentary elections since the ouster of former president Hosni Mubarak amid deepening divisions in society and concern about the nation's direction. Join CFR senior fellow Ed Husain, who is currently in Cairo, for an analysis of the elections and the path ahead. Also, follow Husain on Twitter: @Ed_Husain.
Steven A. Cook describes the stakes of the debates raging within Egypt to define what the nation stands for and how it will be run after the Mubarak regime.
See more in Egypt, Democratization, Nation Building
John B. Bellinger III argues that Libyans should be allowed to choose whether they want to try members of the Qaddafi regime in their own courts.
See more in Libya, Civil Society, International Criminal Courts and Tribunals, Rule of Law, Civil Reconstruction
Egyptians began voting in parliamentary elections despite ongoing protests. But experts say the continuing strife over military rule and fears over Islamist parties threaten stability.
Egypt's military appears to be pursuing a divide-and-rule approach to defuse mass protests ahead of planned November 28 polls, but this may backfire, says CFR's Steven A. Cook.
See more in Egypt, Elections, Political Movements
Jerome A. Cohen and Yu Han urge the adoption of wider oversight powers for Chinese prosecutors in a revision to the Criminal Procedure Law, allowing the "watchdogs of legality" to rein in investigators' misconduct.
See more in China, Democracy and Human Rights, Rule of Law
With fresh political violence erupting ahead of elections, Shibley Telhami points to new polling data showing Egyptians are concerned the military is attempting to undo the gains of the revolution.
Terra Lawson-Remer argues that three factors will determine whether the renewed national dialogue ignited by the Wall Street occupations will result in substantive changes that have a meaningful impact on peoples' lives.
See more in United States, Civil Society, Economics, Political Movements
The Arab League's decision to suspend Syria if it fails to end its violence must be followed by economic and political sanctions, including trade and oil embargoes, say analysts.
See more in North Africa, Syria, Democracy and Human Rights
Ed Husain reviews Imran Khan's Pakistan: A Personal History.
See more in Pakistan, Democracy and Human Rights, Political Movements
Terra Lawson-Remer states, "The Occupy protests have succeeded in galvanizing a conversation in the United States--unseen since the 1970s--about inequality, opportunity, the influence of money in politics, and the outsized power of corporations and financial institutions."
See more in United States, Democracy and Human Rights, Economics, Political Movements
CFR's Mark P. Lagon discusses with students the problem of human trafficking in the world and what the United States can do to deter it.
See more in Human Rights
Chief Executive of Hong Kong Donald Tsang discusses political developments in Hong Kong and Hong Kong's role as China's global financial center.
See more in Hong Kong, Economic Development
Jerome A. Cohen says the cause of Chen Guangchen, imprisoned because of his efforts to defend women against forced sterilization by the Chinese government, could become a monumental struggle for freedom and justice in China.
See more in China, Democracy and Human Rights, Rule of Law
Iran's record on human rights is markedly deteriorating amid a regime power struggle and growing international pressure linked to its nuclear program. Analysts say the international community must intensify the spotlight on Iran's rights abuses.
See more in Iran, Democracy and Human Rights
Gayle Tzemach Lemmon interviews Ameerah Al-Taweel on why Saudi Arabia's women won't accept a reversal on equal rights.
See more in Saudi Arabia, Democracy and Human Rights, Women
This CFR Issue Guide provides expert analysis and essential background on some of the central issues facing Tunisia, Libya, Egypt, Syria, and Yemen, as the Arab Spring enters a critical new phase.
See more in North Africa, Middle East, Democracy and Human Rights
For more on what the United States and others can do to foster open, prosperous, and stable societies, visit CSM&D.
