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/january-2019
Illiberal Democracy and the Struggle on the Right - Marc F. Plattner
(read 2019/02/10)
Discussion of terminology and history of the phrase "illiberal democracy." Focus on Orbán in Hungary; some mention of other conservatives at the end of the article. The author says these key people are creating a shift in policy on the right, that (they are saying) liberal democracy should be equated with progressive policies (immigration, non-traditional families, etc) and that conservatives should be against this or at least not support these. There are legal challenges (Article 7 proceedings) against Hungary in the European Parliament; the May 2019 elections to the parliament will likely influence how this is decided.
Three Painful Truths About Social Media - Ronald J. Deibert
(read 2019/02/11)
Discussion about social media and news, and how that relates to liberal democracy. Doesn't really cover any new ground, though the author says as much. But still, good scholarly summary of three points, 1) collected personal information is the product, 2) users willingly give away this data and 3) it turns out this is rather compatible with authoritarian regimes.
How Artificial Intelligence is Reshaping Repression - Steven Feldstein
(read 2019/02/12)
This is a really good article that ended too soon. Primarily discusses facial recognition, and how that is being used in Singapore and China to further state goals and target undesirable political activists. A little bit of discussion on other related AI and neural net tools used for data analysis, and similar state uses. Concluding remarks on possible policy responses, (I wish this section was longer).
President Xi's Surveillance State - Xiao Qiang
(read 2019/02/12)
Summary of surveillance in China and recent developments. Biometrics are gathered, notably including DNA and voice recording. Mentions that providing biometrics is required for "high risk" individuals and ethnicities, even prior to demonstrating risk. Discussion of the social credit system, how that is used, who it has affected so far.
Threats to Pluralism - Sumit Ganguly
(read 2019/02/13)
Really short article about illiberal trends in India under Modi. Specific focus on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Specific examples given, but the main theme is reaction against socialist trends and minorities and investigative journalism.
The Fates of Third-Wave Democracies - Scott Mainwaring and Fernando Bizzarro
(read 2019/02/13)
Some analysis of democracy from 1974 to 2012. This is a summary on transitions to and from democracy, or whether there was no change, for 79 countries. It seems democracy is not inherently stable and stagnation or breakdown is the most likely result. Countries with a history of prior democracy, that have neighboring democratic countries, and countries with higher GDP tend to do better than other countries.
Pakistan: Voting Under Military Tutelage - Aqil Shah
(read 2019/02/16)
Short but concise article on the leadership in Pakistan. Khan is the current leader, with PTI party majority; declared himself an outsider politician, but actually mostly status quo. Country is more or less ruled by the military, which declared false election results, but also interferes with electoral candidates' ability to run.