Stories

KARAKOL
WHERE IN THE WORLD IS BRUNO KAUFMANN? Karakol, Kyrgyzstan
Thirsting for Democracy, at One of World's Largest Freshwater Lakes
Image credit: 1824 painting of Anglo-Ashanti war. Public domain.
CANBERRA
READINGS The Honest Search for Democracy Is Endless
A Bigger, Science-Based Vision of Self-Government
By Joe Mathews
USA
LOCAL SNAPSHOTS The Fire in My Hometown
Surveying the damage in Pasadena, California
Sweden
How Stockholm Is Governed by Everyday People
How governance by everyday citizens, not professional politicians, makes cities better.
Pallbearers pour dirt into the grave of 19-year-old Shiite Musawir Hussain who was killed in a Nov. 21 attack in Pakistan’s Kurram district that left at least 52, mostly Shiites, dead. (Photo: Muhammad Nawaz)
Pakistan
ASIA DEMOCRACY CHRONICLES In Kurram District, Lives Lost and Interrupted
A humanitarian crisis in northwest Pakistan reveals a government unwilling or unable to protect its people
Via Facebook page of Chavit Singson
Philippines
PCIJ: How Family Dynaties Control Local, Regional Governments
71 Governors Are Part of Political Dynasties
Photo by Joe Mathews
Global
New Year's Resolution: Give Up Elections to Focus on Democracy
2024's "Year of Elections" damaged democracy. Let's stop devoting so many resources to voting.
Photo credit: by Marc Geretz
USA
COLUMN In Equity, Local Losers Can Be Champions
A high school team lost 9 of its 10 regular season games. Then, under an equity system, it won a championship...
Bangladesh
ASIA DEMOCRACY CHRONICLES Empty Villages, Crowded Jungles
A small indigenous minority bears the brunt of military operations against armed insurgents.  
Photo credit: Car-free Sunday in central Jakarta, by Joe Mathews
Global
Our First Year. Macondo Forever. Why We're All Batman.
How to Donate. Korea impeachment songs. Small-town mayor-president?
Philippines
LOCAL SNAPSHOTS Nolito M. Quilang, Councilor
The spirit of Dagyaw—and bringing community groups into government in Ormoc City
Marchers from across Azad Jammu and Kashmir gather peacefully on AJK University grounds to offer prayers for protestors killed by Punjab Rangers.
#OurDemocracyLocal
Democracy Local's Top 10 Stories of 2024
From Muzzaffarabad to a model law, these were among the most popular items we published this year.