Analysis and research on governance, political regimes and economic policies from the Transformation Index (BTI)

 
Duma Russia

Russian Parliamentary Elections: Mission Accomplished

The Kremlin ordered a “constitutional majority” of two-thirds of the seats for its United Russia party and the voters delivered – or more precisely, the regime’s representatives who are politically responsible for the election results in the country’s 85 regions did. read more

President Samia Suluhu Hassan

Tanzania's New President: False Promises?

On March 19, 2021, Samia Suluhu Hassan succeeded her predecessor, John Magufuli, as President of Tanzania, following his unexpected death. While the country initially hoped for a decisive political turnaround, many now fear a relapse into Magufuli’s authoritarian regime. read more

 
Election Zambia

Five Things to Watch in the Zambian Elections

Zambia will hold presidential elections on August 12, amidst an ongoing economic crisis and rising political tensions. The election is effectively a two-horse race between President Edgar Lungu and long-time opposition leader Hakainde Hichilema — and like the last election, it is going to be close. read more

Parliament Tunisia

Tunisia’s Democracy Experiment Put to the Test

In the dispute over competences between the president, the government and the parliament – against the background of a serious economic and health crisis – President Kais Saied took the reins of power on July 25 by means of a controversial interpretation of Article 80 of the constitution. read more

 
Air pollution

Climate Protection Through CO2 Prices

Limiting global warming and climate change requires a substantial reduction of CO2 emissions. Industrialized countries have a special responsibility. However, an effective and efficient climate policy also requires to include newly industrializing and developing countries in their emission reduction strategies. read more

Robert Schwarz

The BTI Team Says Farewell to Robert Schwarz

After almost a decade, our colleague Robert Schwarz is leaving the Bertelsmann Stiftung and the BTI to take on new professional challenges. Hard-nosed but kind in intellectual debate, committed to profoundness in analysis and clarity of message, inventive and creative in pushing the BTI, we will miss him dearly and wish him all the very best.

 
Flaggen

Club de Madrid Annual Policy Dialogue 2021

With the Club de Madrid we are co-organizing the Annual Policy Dialogue on 'Rethinking Democracy' on October 27, 28, 29. The event is a platform for discussing democracy innovations and presenting far-reaching proposals to adapt to the realities of the 21st century. register here

Poland Warszawa

Women’s Rights: Poland Gears Up to Exit Istanbul Convention

Following Turkey’s withdrawal from Europe’s key treaty to protect women, Poland may follow suit. Women’s protection, gender equality and LGBT rights have all become popular targets for European autocrats. read more

 

Outlook

 

In our next newsletter you will find articles on the upcoming Gambian presidential elections, the political situation in Brazil one year before the election and the UN Climate Change Conference COP26 in Glasgow.

Would you like to receive more information about our work? Follow us on social media

Twitter: twitter.com/bti_project/

Facebook: www.facebook.com/bti.project/