Brazil: Chronicles of a frustrated coup Published: 3 February 2023 Commentary Questions remain in Brazil after former President Jair Bolsonaro's supporters stormed the federal government's buildings on January 8. By Marcelo Montenegro and Marilene de Paula
Gender-based violence in politics - a threat to democracy Published: 24 November 2022 Commenary One of the main reasons women choose not to run for political office: They fear their safety inside and outside social networks, as well as attacks from the opposition and from within their own ranks. By AzMina
Elections in Brazil – Democracy at stake in the era of algorithmic politics Published: 28 September 2022 Analysis Determined to stay in power, Brazil’s incumbent president Jair Bolsonaro borrows from Donald Trump’s playbook and is preparing the ground for a stolen election myth. He rose to power by learning how to mobilize voters from Barack Obama – and by flooding the internet with fake news. By Manoela Vianna
"Gender Ideology" - A Fantastical and Flexible Narrative Published: 27 September 2022 Analysis The ultraconservative extreme right in Brazil is creating moral panic by pushing fake news about “gender ideology”. The fear of anything but heteronormativity plays a central role in the ascension of authoritarian leaders and democratic backsliding. By Andrea Dip
Violence in social media threatens women active in Brazilian politics Published: 27 September 2022 Commentary In Brazil, misogynist discourse and attacks against female politicians have rapidly increased since the election of Jair Bolsonaro. Especially those who dare to challenge gender norms have become targets of online vitriol. A new law that criminalizes political gender violence may bring some relief, but may not be enough to turn the tide. By Manuela D‘Ávila
Green hydrogen as a substitute to Russian gas – could Latin America be an energy partner to Europe? Published: 24 August 2022 Analysis Russia’s aggressive war in Ukraine means Europe has to look elsewhere to secure its energy supplies. Green hydrogen could be an important new fuel, and here Latin America has the potential to become the next energy partner to Europe. By Rebecca Bertram
State of emergency in El Salvador Published: 19 May 2022 Commentary El Salvador’s President, Nayib Bukele, is attempting to respond to the ongoing violence in the country by declaring a state of emergency. Critics see this predominantly as a militarisation of politics and a further step towards the breakdown of democracy. By Ingrid Wehr
Chile before the presidential run-off: democracy itself is at stake Published: 17 December 2021 Interview In the second round of the presidential elections on 19 December 2021, Chile will be deciding between the far-right candidate, José Antonio Kast, and the left-wing progressive Gabriel Boric. Non-voters and anti-politicians may be able to tip the balance in these pivotal elections. Interview with Gitte Cullmann, office director of the Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung in Santiago de Chile. By Caroline Kassin
150 years of Germany’s abortion ban ‒ when will the “green tide” wash over to the other side of the Atlantic? Published: 14 October 2021 Commentary The “marea verde” – the “green tide” – has spread across the whole of Latin America. Can it make waves in Germany too?
Constitutional referendum in Chile: a late end to dictatorship Published: 13 November 2020 Background On 25 October, one year on from the mass demonstrations in the country, the Chilean electorate voted by an overwhelming majority of more than 78 percent in favour of a new constitution and of 79 percent for an assembly comprised solely of citizens to write this constitution. By Ingrid Wehr