Noted recall: The goal is to describe, in just a few words, what the article is about. Additionally, if I think the article is particularly note-worthy (good or bad), I will comment on that. Compare this to a small sticky note, something to jog your memory about the contents of an article. Of course, if I miss the point of an article, or fail to find anything remarkable, that is entirely the fault of the reviewer.
Available at: https://www.journalofdemocracy.org/october-2018
Why National Identity Matters - Francis Fukuyama
(read 2018/11/27)
Disjointed essay where Fukuyama invents a corrupted version of Kantian ethics, then (forgetting everything from the first section) implicitly argues that changing national culture (immigration) is bad.
Democracy's Near Misses - Tom Ginsburg and Aziz Huq
(read 2018/11/27)
Short article, looks at a few cases where a nation became less democratic but then recovered. Starts with some discussion about the difficulty in quantifying democracy, different indices do not agree on incidents, so they chose three subjective incidents: Finland 1930, Colombia 2010, Sri Lanka 2015. Common themes are unelected actors and diverse political parties. In the latter two cases, the judiciary played a large role in restoring democracy.
Mexico's Party System Under Stress - Kenneth F. Greene and Mariano Sánchez-Talanquer
(read 2018/11/28)
Brief article on Obrador and Mexico's political parties. His history, reasons he was elected. DIscussion on reshaping the PRI and PAN parties, origin of Obrador's MORENA party.
The Fading of Costa Rica's Old Parties - Forrest D. Colburn and Arturo Cruz S.
(read 2018/11/28)
Decline of PLN and PUSC parties in Costa Rica, and the discussion about the newly elected Alvarado. Mention of increasing national debt and difficulties in finding funding.
The Peace Process and Colombia's Elections - Laura Gamboa
(read 2018/11/29)
Focuses on the recent peace agreement in Colombia, and how that was politicized; and the general condition of the country that led to the election of Duque (somewhat populist and politically right).
Virtue, Fortune, and Failure in Peru - Alberto Vergara
(read 2018/11/29)
(The title is a reference to Machiavelli, which the author references several times, but the article is also notable for the couple of song quotes.) The article is about the resignation of Kuczynski (PPK), and political challenges from Keiko Fujimori. An interesting point is that despite PPK legitimately winning the election, Fujimori claims voter fraud was responsible for his win. PK was not popular, but the least bad; popularity fell, choosing a "cabinet of lobbyists" is partly to blame, and general corruption (the cause of his resignation). The vice president Vizcarra is now actively engaged in passing anti-corruption measures.
Ecuador After Correa - Carlos de la Torre
(read 2018/12/03)
This is a really good article on populism, but also talks about Correa in Ecuador. His trend toward authoritarianism, loss of popularity. Replacement by Moreno, initially supported by Correa, then the surprise anti-Correa government. Mentions of scandals under Correa, and Odebrecht in particular.
The Lessons of Bolivia - Jean-Paul Faguet
(read 2018/12/03)
Discussion on politics in Bolivia near the early 21st century, and what caused parties to shift and die. Cleavage theory, what it is, how it applies. Large transition from parties focused on large (economic) groups to many small focused parties; author puts a lot of importance on racial and cultural groups, which were not as prevalent as before. Compares populist shifts around the world to Bolivia and speculates on comparisons.
Democratic Survival and Weakness - Steven Levitsky
(read 2018/12/04)
Brief overview of democracy in current Latin America. Discusses some challenges; primary concern is inequality, followed by inefficient government. Concerns about rise of authoritarian right. Despite these challenges, Latin America as a whole is more democratic than it's ever been.
The Downfall of Malaysia's Ruling Party - Sophie Lemière
(read 2018/12/04)
I recommend reading this. A look at current Malaysia, focuses on "martyr, messiah, and fallen hero" Najib, Anwar, Mahathir. Some history of Anwar and Mahathir as political enemies at the end of the 20th century. Mahathir's fall from grace (early 00's). Rise of Najib and authoritarianism, then the scandals in his administration. Sudden unexpected alliance between Anwar and Mahathir (2016), then the surprise election win for Mahathir.
The Surprising Instability of Competitive Authoritarianism - Christopher Carothers
(read 2018/12/06)
Competitive Authoritarianism is a semi-stable government that is authoritarian but with some democratic elements. Scholars previously believed this would stabilize, but it seems there are a number of elements that can push either to authoritarian government, or towards democracy.
Liberal Democracy's Crisis of Confidence - Richard Wike and Janell Fetterolf
(read 2018/12/06)
(Articles like this one are why I subscribed.) A global Pew survey rating various kinds of government ("very good," "somewhat good," etc) and discussion. Some factors like age, income, views on immigration and how they relate.
Understanding Authoritarian Regionalism - Alexander Libman and Anastassia V. Obydenkova
(read 2018/12/06)
A look at regional organizations, led by authoritarian country. Might have some kind of trade agreement, usually nothing like a free trade agreement; for example, Venezuela has export agreements with ALBA members to provide oil, in exchange for goods or future repayment. These organizations are used to legitimize authoritarian rule.