Fragmented political systems, extreme wealth gaps, economic uncertainty, instability, corruption, authoritarian tendencies, and personality parties centered around populist political dynasties – these are the unfortunate trademarks of Latin American democracy. These tendencies historically facilitated violence, single-party rule, and military juntas, which further normalized … [Read more...] about Ecuador, Peru, and Chile’s Struggles With Democracy
The 2021 Israeli Election: Fractured Results
Israel went to the polls March 23rd for the fourth time in four years. Consistent with the previous three elections, no prearranged block of parties won a majority of the 120 seats in the Knesset. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's preferred parties won 52 seats, and his Likud party won 30 seats – the most of any party. The parties elected on a platform of opposition to … [Read more...] about The 2021 Israeli Election: Fractured Results
The 2021 Israeli Election: Preliminary Results
The Israeli electorate voted yesterday, March 23rd, and the final results are still unknown. Enumerated votes are reported via the government from over a thousand municipalities across Israel and the West Bank settlements. The numbers presented in this article might have changed already, and will change more. The complete official count will not be known until at least Friday … [Read more...] about The 2021 Israeli Election: Preliminary Results
An Introduction to Israeli Politics and the 2021 Israeli Election
Voters in Israel are going to the polls today for the fourth time in two years. The nature of Israeli politics and it's electoral system are at the heart of such frequent votes. Political, ideological, and social polarization emerges most often in electoral systems with elements of electoral majoritarianism. The societal animosity which foments polarization rarely emerges in … [Read more...] about An Introduction to Israeli Politics and the 2021 Israeli Election
2021 Dutch General Election: Consensus and Continuity
Winning election to the Dutch House of Representatives (the Tweede Kamer der Staten-Generaal) is simple when compared to almost every other electoral democracy. One can win a parliamentary seat if they convince approximately 62,000 citizens to vote for their ticket. This is the advantage of a near fully Proportional parliamentary system with no percentage threshold … [Read more...] about 2021 Dutch General Election: Consensus and Continuity