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] As a whole, Ecuador's civil society has generally criticized the upcoming constitutional referendum due to the process by which it was advanced to a public vote and cautioning that other proposed changes threaten to undermine the accountability of governing institutions. George W. Bush Presidential Center
• [New] The communal rewriting of history and the promotion of Hindutva ideology in education threaten the secular and democratic foundations of the Indian constitution. Countercurrents
• [New] Chinese companies are offering a response to Indonesia's needs, but concerns exist, especially surrounding security and surveillance, that Indonesia's increasing reliance on China could also further erode its democracy. London School of Economics and Political Science
• [New] While 85% of teachers and 86% of students used AI in the 2024-25 school year, last month's report from the Center for Democracy and Technology highlights several risks. Admissions Angle
• [New] As the diplomacy-supporting Carnegie Endowment for International Peace warns, defending democracy from AI manipulation will require a comprehensive approach that combines technical solutions and societal efforts. Left Foot Forward: Leading the UK's progressive debate
• [New] In Maine, voters - via one citizen-initiated question - will decide whether to amend state law to make several voting-related changes. State Court Report
• [New] Voters in Texas will decide whether to amend their constitution to say that persons who are not citizens of the United States cannot vote in Texas. State Court Report
• [New] If the Supreme Court further weakens the Voting Rights Act, Republicans could eliminate numerous seats held by Black and Latino Democrats, deepening racial and political inequality. @mathrubhumi
• [New] For democracy to survive and thrive around the world, pro-democracy actors will need to revamp strategies and tactics, be courageous, and be on the offence to strengthen democratic resilience and reverse backsliding. Brookings
• [New] The Federal Communications Commission will vote next month on a proposal that would seek comment on auctioning 180 megahertz of spectrum in the upper C-band. Broadband Breakfast
• [New] Ramos-Horta expressed hope that ASEAN could play a role in supporting peace and democracy in Myanmar, given Timor-Leste's history of struggle and advocacy for human rights. Grand Pinnacle Tribune
• 73% of respondents expect the results of the recent U.S. presidential election to have a slight to extreme degree of impact on their organization for the coming year. Skillsoft
• Germany's domestic intelligence agency has labeled the far-right Alternative for Germany as an extremist organization and a threat to democracy. DW.COM
• Whatever the result of the US election in November, three US priorities will endure: increasing defence spending and capabilities, deterring Russia, and countering the PRC. gmfus
• The Democratic Party will lose a lot of voters. / USA amg-news.com - American Media Group
• New Zealand First could still pivot back to economic populism for the 2026 election. The Integrity Institute
• Known as the Election Rigging Response Act, California Proposition 50 is a statewide ballot measure that will remap California's congressional districts for the next three election cycles, potentially turning up to five U.S. House seats from Republican to Democrat. In These Times

Last updated: 16 November 2025