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Francis Fukuyama: What to expect in 2026
Opinion

Francis Fukuyama: What to expect in 2026

by Francis Fukuyama

The single most important development that will unfold during 2026 are the U.S. midterm elections that will take place in November. The world has seen a dramatic regression of liberal democracies worldwide over the past decade.  Two large authoritarian powers, Russia and China, have tightened repression at home and projected their influence around the world. But critically, their rise has been abetted by the growth of populist nationalist parties in many developed democracies.  The most import

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Zelensky picks Military Intelligence Head Budanov as his new chief of staff

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‘A cult of death’ — Former Soviet dissident on Russia and authoritarianism's global rise

In an authoritarian society, it’s free thinkers who are targeted by those in power. A book, a social media post, a private conversation — anything can be used against those who refuse to conform in a country ruled by intimidation, lies, and outright violence. This is why, in a world where authoritarianism appears to be on the rise, a free press is more important than ever. Few understand this reality better than Igor Pomerantsev, a veteran radio broadcaster, poet, and former Soviet dissident. H

Igor Pomerantsev in Chernivtsi, Ukraine, in September 2021.

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