Portside

A planet haunted by democratic upheavals

Don’t be fooled that this is meaningful reform. It’s about regime self-preservation.

The kingdom’s rulers may have managed their own social pressures better, but they’re wary of the tumult that’s shaking their neighbor.

If you can’t rein in the police, you can’t save democracy

Mass protests confront governments, police and employers in Latin America, Africa, Asia and Europe

From Brazil: Deep thoughts on electoral politics and fighting fascism

As the nation reacts to the guilty verdict a jury handed to Derek Chauvin in the killing of George Floyd, Republican-led states are introducing punitive new measures governing protests.

"This effort has one goal: silence, criminalize, and penalize Floridians who want to see justice for Black lives," said ACLU of Florida executive director Micah Kubic.

Many observers—including Republicans—worry that he is. They’re organizing now to stop him. Given the administration’s record of embracing “numerous corrupt and authoritarian practices,” huge numbers of Americans must be ready to take to the streets