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] The decisions the world's democracies make in this decade will shape the international security landscape for generations to come, determining whether the future is defined by greater democratic resilience or further authoritarian encroachment. Project Syndicate
• [New] The 2026 election calendar is shaping up as a geopolitical turning point: a handful of national votes and regional contests could shift economic policy, trade ties and climate action at a moment of elevated global tensions. ECIKS.org
• [New] Election-related violent threats surged 300% during the 2024 campaign cycle, and attacks against government facilities and public institutions have increased by 45% year-on-year. Insurance Journal
• [New] As institutional shareholders begin to rely on AI solutions and proxy advisors focus on a more tailored approach to client advice, we expect that fiduciary duties in relation to proxy voting will be in the spotlight in 2026 and beyond. / Canada JD Supra
• [New] New Mexico has quietly decided that armed federal agents hanging around ballot boxes might not be the best look for a democracy. Caffeinated Dispatches Substack
• [New] Political dynamics around AI regulation, Section 230 reform, and election law make comprehensive federal deepfake legislation unlikely before 2027 at the earliest. The Collective
• [New] At Disability Independence Group, voting will be a major focus for us in 2026. Disability Independence Group, Inc.
• [New] Senator and a candidate for U.S Senate, raising concerns among civil society groups, legal advocates, and election integrity groups that manipulated content will become increasingly present and unsettling. / USA U.S. Senator Mark R. Warner
• [New] Proposed federal legislation such as the SAVE America Act could restrict universal mail voting and require proof of citizenship documents that Nevada does not routinely issue, which Aguilar warned would create administrative burdens for county clerks and pose added challenges for rural voters. RuralOrganizing
• [New] Still nursing fraud claims of a stolen 2028 election, a new generation of MAGA Republicans is passing new election administration laws, trying to lock in their power for at least a decade by making it even harder for Democratic constituencies to vote and have their votes counted. Undercurrent Events
• [New] In the next three to five years, everything will be more democratic, Fu concluded, so even an elementary student will be able to use AI to create a good piece of work. Deadline
• [New] The 2026 American midterm elections will be a critical test for the quality of elections, and democracy, in the United States. EurekAlert!
• [New] The double-engine narrative risks distorting electoral choices and undermining the principle of equal citizenship, which is essential for maintaining India's federal democracy. EduRev
• [New] Democrats should be expecting to make big gains in the US House in the 2026 election. 3Streams
• [New] India will continue to stand in support of a democratic, progressive and inclusive Bangladesh. The Guardian
• [New] As the USPS moves closer to a potential 5-day delivery schedule or the closure of underperforming rural post offices to save cash, the political debate over the universal service mandate is expected to reach a boiling point in the 2026 mid-term election cycle. / China The Chronicle-Journal
• [New] In America's highly polarized political environment, that small percentage could easily determine the result of an election. Salon.com
• The Iranian people must have democratic rights and should have the opportunity to decide their own future. The NEN - North Edinburgh News
• Legal experts and national security analysts are increasingly warning that AI-generated deepfakes could become one of the most destabilizing forces in modern politics, raising urgent questions about election integrity, free speech protections, and the limits of U.S. law. USA Herald - The People's Voice
• The majority of America feels that democracy is under threat and see political violence as a major problem. The Guardian
• Two Elections, Two Risk Profiles: Political Volatility and Travel Disruption in Thailand and Nepal Political uncertainty linked to elections in Nepal and the recently concluded vote in Thailand has influenced the travel risk environment across the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region. On Call International Blog
• Lithuania's decision has sparked debate at home - as expected in a democratic society. European Pravda

Last updated: 05 April 2026