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] While international norms allow some censorship during wartime, some of Ukraine's new media and cultural policies raise risks not only for its democracy, but for its security as well. Journal of Democracy
• [New] The Liutyi program could become a blueprint for how Europe supports democracies under threat without direct military intervention. The Asia Live
• [New] The proliferation of arms in Iraq is a direct threat to voters, the electoral commission, and candidates; during election season, it is used as a tool of political pressure. The Washington Institute
• [New] In addition to improving voter services, Elections Canada recognizes the importance of working closely with security partners to protect the electoral process from threats, including foreign interference. Elections Canada
• [New] The erosion of trust in information sources, fueled by the proliferation of fake news, poses a threat to democratic processes, public health, and economic stability worldwide. DISA
• [New] Upcoming national elections across Europe will test the influence of far-right parties, determining whether the EU strengthens integration or accelerates fragmentation. IT & Life Hacks BlogIdeas for learning and practicin
• [New] Australia has an opportunity to become the supplier of choice for rare earths to democratic nations, stated a government policy paper cited in the case documents. Discovery Alert
• [New] As the 2027 general elections approach, the rise of synthetic media, especially deepfakes, poses a serious threat to the credibility of the democratic process and public trust in electoral outcomes. Abuja City Journal - The Capital Eye in National Affair
• [New] The vote by Iran's Parliament to close the Strait of Hormuz, highlights another immediate and direct threat to global trade routes. The Black Lotus Brief
• [New] With two days before the US presidential election, there is increasing speculation from within the Israeli security establishment about whether Iran will attack Israel in the days ahead. Global Player
• [New] The Nigeria National Coalition Group has formally applied to the Independent National Electoral Commission seeking to register a new political party ahead of the 2027 general elections in Nigeria. Naija News
• [New] When asked to identify the most important problemfacing the US today, Californians are most likely tochoose political extremism or threats to democracy, followed by economic conditions. Scribd
• The Euro area is expected to maintain a low-but-positive growth trajectory, despite uncertainties from the US election and potential tariffs. Invesco
• The World Bank has pledged $1 billion to help revive the long-delayed Inga III hydropower project in the Democratic Republic of Congo, a crucial phase of the Grand Inga complex, which holds the potential to become the world's largest hydropower facility. Copperbelt Katanga Mining
• The rise of politically motivated crimes and the insidious spread of right-wing radicalization represent an existential threat to liberal democracies worldwide. Global Annal
• Placing clean energy at the heart of the new industrial strategy is a vote of confidence in the enormous economic growth potential of Scotland's renewable energy industry and supply chain. GOV.UK
• Observing countries may hesitate to align with the U.S. on issues concerning human rights and the promotion of democratic governance, fearing that American principles lack authenticity. Muslim World Report
• Savings rates have been falling and, even though the Bank of England voted to hold rates today, the top savings deals will probably continue to disappear over the coming months. MoneyWeek
• Without stronger digital literacy, effective content moderation, and public awareness campaigns, Sri Lanka risks becoming increasingly vulnerable to influence campaigns that exploit uncertainty and fear-threatening not only online discourse but also the foundations of democratic governance itself. Hashtag Generation
• With Trump's focus set on sanctuary cities, it is unclear how other parts of Democratic states may be impacted, or if ICE activity will primarily center on metropolitan areas going forward. New York Post
• With over 700 million internet users, India's vast digital landscape has become a breeding ground for false narratives, threatening the integrity of the world's largest democracy. Poniak Times
• Democratic Republic of the Congo will ratify the BBNJ agreement. Blue Marine Foundation

Last updated: 06 July 2025