Democratization Policy Council
@dpcglobal.bsky.social
An initiative for accountable democratization policy worldwide. Senior associates in Berlin, Brussels, Sarajevo, Washington, D.C.
Preliminary results from yesterday’s general elections in Bosnia and Herzegovina – the first with an electronic voting system intended to reduce fraud – indicate considerable strengthening of nationalist parties in legislatures in both entities, at the state and entity levels. 1/
October 5, 2026 at 6:34 AM
Preliminary results from yesterday’s general elections in Bosnia and Herzegovina – the first with an electronic voting system intended to reduce fraud – indicate considerable strengthening of nationalist parties in legislatures in both entities, at the state and entity levels. 1/
At yesterday’s (June 30) meeting of the Peace Implementation Council Steering Boad Ambassadors (#PIC SBA), the successor to outgoing High Representative in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Christian Schmidt, was to be once again discussed and decided upon. 1/
July 1, 2026 at 7:14 AM
At yesterday’s (June 30) meeting of the Peace Implementation Council Steering Boad Ambassadors (#PIC SBA), the successor to outgoing High Representative in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Christian Schmidt, was to be once again discussed and decided upon. 1/
Many questions about ongoing protests in Albania at today's midday briefing of the European Commission. Interesting to compare and contrast the Commission's clear and loud position regarding implications for Albania's EU path with its weak response to democratic backsliding in Serbia.
Audiovisual Service
audiovisual.ec.europa.eu
June 9, 2026 at 11:43 AM
Many questions about ongoing protests in Albania at today's midday briefing of the European Commission. Interesting to compare and contrast the Commission's clear and loud position regarding implications for Albania's EU path with its weak response to democratic backsliding in Serbia.
Reposted by Democratization Policy Council
My latest guest blog for @biepag.bsky.social on how Europe+ can take the initiative in the #WB6 in the interests of these countries' citizens - and their own.
www.biepag.eu/blog/europe-...
www.biepag.eu/blog/europe-...
Europe+ Needs to Ensure Security in the Western Balkans – Including Its Own
Most Western Balkan leaders comfortably inhabit an indeterminate gray zone. They want the validation and benefits of being EU partners without paying the freight. In this sense, the entropy in Bosn...
www.biepag.eu
May 26, 2026 at 9:27 AM
My latest guest blog for @biepag.bsky.social on how Europe+ can take the initiative in the #WB6 in the interests of these countries' citizens - and their own.
www.biepag.eu/blog/europe-...
www.biepag.eu/blog/europe-...
DPC's Valery Perry speaks with @pippagallop.bsky.social of @ceebankwatch.bsky.social in the latest DPC Voice, our new podcast, regarding the Southern Interconnection pipeline project, which has been aggressively pushed forward by the US.
open.spotify.com/episode/6uug...
open.spotify.com/episode/6uug...
DPC talks with Bankwatch's Pippa Gallop - Zagreb
open.spotify.com
May 21, 2026 at 1:40 PM
DPC's Valery Perry speaks with @pippagallop.bsky.social of @ceebankwatch.bsky.social in the latest DPC Voice, our new podcast, regarding the Southern Interconnection pipeline project, which has been aggressively pushed forward by the US.
open.spotify.com/episode/6uug...
open.spotify.com/episode/6uug...
Latest opinion piece by Senior Associates @kurtbassuener.bsky.social and @tobyvogel.bsky.social: the EU should push back against a Trump-backed pipeline project in Bosnia and Herzegovina
EU should take a stand against Trump-backed pipeline in Bosnia
By Kurt Bassuener and Toby Vogel The European Union claims to support the green transition in the Western Balkans. So why is it about to give in to a US-sponsored pipeline project – the so-called Sout...
www.linkedin.com
May 20, 2026 at 6:35 AM
Latest opinion piece by Senior Associates @kurtbassuener.bsky.social and @tobyvogel.bsky.social: the EU should push back against a Trump-backed pipeline project in Bosnia and Herzegovina
We've been led to think that in an election 50%+1 represents a majority of preferences. Are there better options?
In the latest episode of #DPCVoice, Senior Associate Valery Perry spoke w/ Peter Emerson of the De Borda Institute to try to answer this question.
open.spotify.com/episode/0WHG...
In the latest episode of #DPCVoice, Senior Associate Valery Perry spoke w/ Peter Emerson of the De Borda Institute to try to answer this question.
open.spotify.com/episode/0WHG...
DPC talks with Peter Emerson - Belfast, Northern Ireland
open.spotify.com
May 19, 2026 at 5:36 PM
We've been led to think that in an election 50%+1 represents a majority of preferences. Are there better options?
In the latest episode of #DPCVoice, Senior Associate Valery Perry spoke w/ Peter Emerson of the De Borda Institute to try to answer this question.
open.spotify.com/episode/0WHG...
In the latest episode of #DPCVoice, Senior Associate Valery Perry spoke w/ Peter Emerson of the De Borda Institute to try to answer this question.
open.spotify.com/episode/0WHG...
DPC's latest, by @kurtbassuener.bsky.social, on how Europe+ ought to respond to the challenge of succeeding High Rep Christian Schmidt in Bosnia and Herzegovina. It cannot simply be a personnel decision - it constitutes a strategic choice in a region where the EU has great leverage.
My / @dpcglobal.bsky.social's latest for @balkaninsight.com.web.brid.gy on how Europe+ ought to respond to the challenge posed by a de facto US alliance w reactionary Bosnian & Balkan leaders, in the succession of High Rep Christian Schmidt.
balkaninsight.com/2026/05/18/i...
balkaninsight.com/2026/05/18/i...
It’s Time ‘Europe+’ Asserted Leadership and Challenged the US in Bosnia
As Christian Schmidt readies to quit as High Representative, Europe and its allies must resolutely push for a powerful successor – and forget ‘compromising’ with a United States that has radically shi...
balkaninsight.com
May 18, 2026 at 10:29 AM
DPC's latest, by @kurtbassuener.bsky.social, on how Europe+ ought to respond to the challenge of succeeding High Rep Christian Schmidt in Bosnia and Herzegovina. It cannot simply be a personnel decision - it constitutes a strategic choice in a region where the EU has great leverage.
1/Potez dolazi nakon mjeseci špekulacija da SAD o pritisku na Schmidta. To označava jednu u nizu promjena pristupa SAD prema BiH počevši od prošlog Oktobra sa ukidanjem sankcija osuđenom bivšem predsjedniku RS-a Dodiku, koji je i dalje de facto lider tog entiteta.
www.oslobodjenje.ba/vijesti/bih/...
www.oslobodjenje.ba/vijesti/bih/...
www.oslobodjenje.ba
May 10, 2026 at 11:23 PM
1/Potez dolazi nakon mjeseci špekulacija da SAD o pritisku na Schmidta. To označava jednu u nizu promjena pristupa SAD prema BiH počevši od prošlog Oktobra sa ukidanjem sankcija osuđenom bivšem predsjedniku RS-a Dodiku, koji je i dalje de facto lider tog entiteta.
www.oslobodjenje.ba/vijesti/bih/...
www.oslobodjenje.ba/vijesti/bih/...
1/ Two days before his semiannual report to the UN Security Council, High Representative Christian Schmidt announced that he would be resigning his post as international High Representative in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH).
May 10, 2026 at 10:18 PM
1/ Two days before his semiannual report to the UN Security Council, High Representative Christian Schmidt announced that he would be resigning his post as international High Representative in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH).
1/ Resource extraction, particularly mining of critical minerals, has become an increasingly visible focus of external actors in the Western Balkans. @dpcglobal.bsky.social's case study on the Vares mining project provides a detailed look into the structural dynamics at play, domestic and foreign,…
April 20, 2026 at 6:01 AM
1/ Resource extraction, particularly mining of critical minerals, has become an increasingly visible focus of external actors in the Western Balkans. @dpcglobal.bsky.social's case study on the Vares mining project provides a detailed look into the structural dynamics at play, domestic and foreign,…
DPC's latest argues that the people of Hungary, who shook off an authoritarian, Russia- and MAGA-aligned regime, deserve some introspection about what made Orbán's abuse of power possible – from the EU and from other pro-democracy forces. Business as usual should not be an option.
The people of Hungary deserve support, not complacency – Democratization Policy Council
www.democratizationpolicy.org
April 14, 2026 at 6:08 AM
DPC's latest argues that the people of Hungary, who shook off an authoritarian, Russia- and MAGA-aligned regime, deserve some introspection about what made Orbán's abuse of power possible – from the EU and from other pro-democracy forces. Business as usual should not be an option.
DPC is starting an occasional series of interviews with people who have interesting perspectives on democratic opportunities, democratic threats, effective governance, changing global geopolitics, and other issues.
March 26, 2026 at 3:34 PM
DPC is starting an occasional series of interviews with people who have interesting perspectives on democratic opportunities, democratic threats, effective governance, changing global geopolitics, and other issues.
Were the Trump administration’s actions in Venezuela the first chance to see what operationalization of the new US National Security Strategy looks like? Senior Associate @valeryperry.bsky.social talked about this with WXXI’s Evan Dawson, exploring the downsides of a “sphere of influence” approach.
What does American action in Venezuela mean for democracy abroad?
In the first hour of "Connections with Evan Dawson" on 1/8/26, a democratization policy expert discusses potential repercussions of the Trump administration's attempts to strong-arm other nations.
www.wxxinews.org
January 9, 2026 at 8:57 AM
Were the Trump administration’s actions in Venezuela the first chance to see what operationalization of the new US National Security Strategy looks like? Senior Associate @valeryperry.bsky.social talked about this with WXXI’s Evan Dawson, exploring the downsides of a “sphere of influence” approach.
Reposted by Democratization Policy Council
The latest from @dpcglobal.bsky.social colleague @valeryperry.bsky.social, on today's Putin-Trump meeting
As we wait to see what will unfold in Alaska today, beware of Sharpie geopolitics in a world that requires complexity… I explore this idea more in the latest DPC blog:
www.democratizationpolicy.org/sharpie-geop...
www.democratizationpolicy.org/sharpie-geop...
“Sharpie Geopolitics” in a Time of Complexity – Democratization Policy Council
www.democratizationpolicy.org
August 15, 2025 at 9:33 AM
The latest from @dpcglobal.bsky.social colleague @valeryperry.bsky.social, on today's Putin-Trump meeting
"Vučić’s increasingly brutal repression of peaceful protests has put the EU’s policy at an inflection point..." Latest by @tobyvogel.bsky.social and @kurtbassuener.bsky.social for @euobserver.com
www.euobserver.com/eu-and-the-w...
www.euobserver.com/eu-and-the-w...
The EU's fence-sitting as Serbia's Vučić steps up violent state repression
The EU choosing “stability” in the current moment means de facto endorsement of violent repression in Serbia. The EU’s timid messaging has in fact encouraged Serbian president Aleksandar Vučić to step...
www.euobserver.com
July 8, 2025 at 10:20 AM
"Vučić’s increasingly brutal repression of peaceful protests has put the EU’s policy at an inflection point..." Latest by @tobyvogel.bsky.social and @kurtbassuener.bsky.social for @euobserver.com
www.euobserver.com/eu-and-the-w...
www.euobserver.com/eu-and-the-w...
1/ Another sign that voters in the democracies are repelled by what they see in the US under Trump. Democratic solidarity is not hubbed in Washington anymore. apnews.com/article/aust...
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese wins a second 3-year term
Anthony Albanese has claimed victory as the first Australian prime minister to win a second consecutive term in 21 years.
apnews.com
May 3, 2025 at 10:58 PM
1/ Another sign that voters in the democracies are repelled by what they see in the US under Trump. Democratic solidarity is not hubbed in Washington anymore. apnews.com/article/aust...
1/ Canadians have demonstrated their commitment to sovereignty & dignity, but also the profound impact of Trump’s policy & rhetoric. www.democratizationpolicy.org/canadians-le...
Canadians Lead the Way – Democratization Policy Council
www.democratizationpolicy.org
April 29, 2025 at 12:57 PM
1/ Canadians have demonstrated their commitment to sovereignty & dignity, but also the profound impact of Trump’s policy & rhetoric. www.democratizationpolicy.org/canadians-le...
Reposted by Democratization Policy Council
My latest blog post for @dpcglobal.bsky.social - The Fear, Patronage, and Inat Politics of Trump 2.0
www.democratizationpolicy.org/the-fear-pat...
www.democratizationpolicy.org/the-fear-pat...
The Fear, Patronage, and “Inat Politics” of Trump 2.0 – Democratization Policy Council
www.democratizationpolicy.org
April 2, 2025 at 9:26 AM
My latest blog post for @dpcglobal.bsky.social - The Fear, Patronage, and Inat Politics of Trump 2.0
www.democratizationpolicy.org/the-fear-pat...
www.democratizationpolicy.org/the-fear-pat...
Alleged EU statements reported by Bosnian media that EUFOR cannot conduct arrests seem based on the EU's political narrowing of its Dayton Annex 1A & 2 mandate. The renewal by the UNSC is also clear - EUFOR has the authority to take "all necessary measures" to ensure a safe and secure environment...
documents.un.org
March 21, 2025 at 2:36 PM
Alleged EU statements reported by Bosnian media that EUFOR cannot conduct arrests seem based on the EU's political narrowing of its Dayton Annex 1A & 2 mandate. The renewal by the UNSC is also clear - EUFOR has the authority to take "all necessary measures" to ensure a safe and secure environment...
1/ Latest article by DPC senior associate @valeryperry.bsky.social for @projectsyndicate.bsky.social, tying the Western Balkans to numerous processes and phenomena in the Trump 2.0 age:
www.project-syndicate.org/magazine/wes...
www.project-syndicate.org/magazine/wes...
The Western Balkan Bellwether | by Valery Perry - Project Syndicate
Valery Perry sees the region as a window into three interconnected phenomena that will shape Europe's near-term future.
www.project-syndicate.org
March 18, 2025 at 2:48 PM
1/ Latest article by DPC senior associate @valeryperry.bsky.social for @projectsyndicate.bsky.social, tying the Western Balkans to numerous processes and phenomena in the Trump 2.0 age:
www.project-syndicate.org/magazine/wes...
www.project-syndicate.org/magazine/wes...
DPC's @kurtbassuener.bsky.social appeared with @jasminmuj.bsky.social and SNSD's Srdjan Mazalica on @aljazeeraenglish.bsky.social's Inside Story yesterday on RS President Milorad Dodik's challenge to the Dayton order and rule of law in #Bosnia.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Twi7...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Twi7...
What's behind the political crisis in Bosnia Herzegovina? | Inside Story
YouTube video by Al Jazeera English
www.youtube.com
March 8, 2025 at 1:06 PM
DPC's @kurtbassuener.bsky.social appeared with @jasminmuj.bsky.social and SNSD's Srdjan Mazalica on @aljazeeraenglish.bsky.social's Inside Story yesterday on RS President Milorad Dodik's challenge to the Dayton order and rule of law in #Bosnia.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Twi7...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Twi7...
DPC's blog on yesterday's ugly Oval Office spectacle and the importance of tomorrow's meeting of European leaders, with President Zelenskyy, in London. Europe+ must now be the universal connector of democracies.
www.democratizationpolicy.org/the-twilight...
www.democratizationpolicy.org/the-twilight...
The Twilight of the West and the Need for a Europe+ – Democratization Policy Council
www.democratizationpolicy.org
March 1, 2025 at 5:06 PM
DPC's blog on yesterday's ugly Oval Office spectacle and the importance of tomorrow's meeting of European leaders, with President Zelenskyy, in London. Europe+ must now be the universal connector of democracies.
www.democratizationpolicy.org/the-twilight...
www.democratizationpolicy.org/the-twilight...
1/ Yesterday’s meeting between Ukrainian President Zelenskyy & US President Trump at the White House, in which Trump and VP JD Vance hectored Zelenskyy, who energetically refuted their false claims & emphasized his country’s need for security guarantees in any peace agreement,...
March 1, 2025 at 4:32 PM
1/ Yesterday’s meeting between Ukrainian President Zelenskyy & US President Trump at the White House, in which Trump and VP JD Vance hectored Zelenskyy, who energetically refuted their false claims & emphasized his country’s need for security guarantees in any peace agreement,...
DPC condemns today’s raids against civic groups in Serbia as an attack on civil society. This blatant attempt at intimidation follows an assault by the Trump administration and Elon Musk on US support for liberal democracy around the world. We stand by the civic groups targeted by the Vučić regime.
CRTA: Policija došla u našu kancelariju, tabloidi objavili vest pre nego što se to desilo
Iz Centra za istraživanje, transparentnost i odgovornost (CRTA) potvrdili su da je policija danas došla u njihovu kancelariju, ali su i upitali kako su tabloidi tu informaciju objavili pre nego što je...
n1info.rs
February 25, 2025 at 11:24 AM
DPC condemns today’s raids against civic groups in Serbia as an attack on civil society. This blatant attempt at intimidation follows an assault by the Trump administration and Elon Musk on US support for liberal democracy around the world. We stand by the civic groups targeted by the Vučić regime.