The post-World War II order is under heavy pressure. As priorities and values shift, and powerful new players have emerged, doubts have spread – about the democratic institutions and capitalist systems that undergirded postwar growth and human rights. Yet even amid deep uncertainty, individuals and groups in countries around the globe are stepping up to shape their future and chart a path toward progress.
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[special project]Navigating uncertainty: As global order creaks, what comes next?We hear the worried question frequently: Where is the world headed? Even amid deep uncertainty, many are trying to shape a path toward progress.
[special project]Beijing is challenging global ‘rules.’ But some are pushing back.Today, many capitals share Taiwan’s alarm – and readiness to push back – as China increasingly asserts itself as an economic and military power.
[special project]How to deal with the climate emergency? Ask your neighbor.Climate change is a divisive issue. But some say people could unite around it – if they worked through their differences with deliberative democracy.
A new ethos for capitalism? ‘Do the right thing.’More business leaders are trying to confront a moral crisis in capitalism by putting social and environmental concerns front and center.
Democracy around the world is down but not out. Test case: Brazil.Brazil has quickly veered away from democracy, by some measures – part of a global wave of “autocratization.” But the trend isn’t inevitable.
From democracy to authoritarianism: Hungary under Orbán (audio)When Viktor Orbán first took charge, Hungary was an exemplar of post-Soviet democracy. But he has slowly transformed it into an authoritarian state. Part of our series “Navigating Uncertainty.”
Trust deficit: The roots of Russia’s standoff with the WestMany in the West saw the post-Soviet period as a chance for a better world, but Russians saw it as a series of missed opportunities by the U.S.
[special project]Facing down jail and wealthy foes, Arab rights defenders soldier onIf support for democratic norms and institutions is eroding in the West, where does that leave rights activists and journalists in the Arab world?
How a DIY nation has made it this farSomaliland’s lack of recognition is a challenge. But it also offers an interesting example, at a time when countries are likely to slash foreign aid.
[special project]Who should judge what's true? Tackling social media's global impact.Social media often carry dangerous and divisive misinformation. But should it be censored? And if so, by whom?
Cover StoryPower shift: How America’s retreat is reshaping global affairsThe U.S. is pulling out of many international agreements. Yet many believe its leadership is needed to drive the world forward on pressing issues.
In a post-COVID-19 world, the choice to regress, reform, or resetWhen the pandemic fades, a key question will be its impact on efforts to confront issues like global warming, economic inequality, and race relations.
