Austria’s Communist Party: Fighting Fascism At The Local Level

From 1918-1934, Austria’s largest city underwent a Marxist-led economic transformation known as Red Vienna. Funded by exuberant taxes on the wealthy, the Social Democratic Workers’ Party (SDAPÖ - a precursor to SPÖ) built 65,000 publicly rented apartments throughout the city with nearby state amenities. Although Nazi occupation ended Vienna’s novel socialist experiment, the Communist Party of Austria (KPÖ) is continuing to advocate for the working class today. This small anti-capitalist movement poses a direct threat to Austria’s entrenched political elite and growing populist right.

EuropeBy Josh EmokpaeMay 13, 2024elections, communist, Austria, housing, urban, populism

Senegal’s Non-Elections Threaten Democracy in West Africa

A delay in Senegal’s 2024 presidential elections sparked fear and unrest in the democratic West African country, but the nation’s system has been quick to uphold its democratic integrity.

AfricaBy Caterina TomassiniApril 12, 2024elections, democracy, protests, Senegal

Why Has Ilham Aliyev Called Early Elections in Azerbaijan?

In late 2023, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev called early presidential elections for February 2024, a year earlier than the end of his term. However, given that Azerbaijan is an extremely authoritarian state with staged elections, many have wondered why Aliyev would want to hold the vote a year early, especially since he would likely rig the elections regardless if they were to be held in 2024 or 2025.

Russia & FSUBy Edward KhatchatrianFebruary 1, 2024azerbaijan, elections, freedom, EU, Nagorno-Karabakh, authoritarianism, caucasus

Against The Grain of Precedence: The Re-Election of Nayib Bukele

Despite the increasing pressure on the precedence of the Salvadoran constitution, the populace of the smallest country in Central America remains adamant about the radical metamorphosis their country has exhibited under the administration of Bukele: a new era of stability and security for Salvadoran society. Marred with criticisms, the Bukele administration remains committed to securing another term in San Salvador, all while inciting concerns for those weary of the implications of future authoritarianism in El Salvador and the Latin American sphere of influence.

AmericasBy Kevin MoscatNovember 27, 2023authoritarianism, el salvador, bukeleism, elections

Lex Tusk Is Not Going to Stop Donald Tusk From Fighting for Democracy

The stakes for this year’s parliamentary elections are higher than ever. A recent rise in the approval ratings of the country’s liberal party - the Civic Platform (Platforma Obywatelska or PO) - is a beacon of hope in the country’s nearly decade-long battle with the right-wing conservative Law and Justice party (PiS).