Identity has become a defining—and divisive—political concept around the world. In recent years appeals to group identity have underpinned the election of Donald Trump, the success of the Brexit “leave” campaign, the rise of politicized Islam and anti-immigrant nationalism, and the emergence of powerful social movements like #metoo. But as demands for recognition based on nationality, ethnicity, religion, and gender have risen in prominence, these narrower identities are conflicting with the universal values of liberal democracy, argues Francis Fukuyama. What is driving the focus on identity in politics today? And can identity be molded in a way that supports rather than undermines democracy?

Democracy’s Crisis of Identity

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Karen DeYoung, Steve Erlanger, and Gideon Rachman join Ivo Daalder to discuss 2022’s biggest stories in their eyes. From the Ukraine-Russia war and its impact on global markets to the faltering of authoritarian rule and the unexpected revival of the West, they reflect on a tumultuous year and what 2023 might hold.

The Stories That Shaped 2022

Sweden and Finland have officially applied for NATO membership following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, marking a significant security policy change for the two Nordic nations. In light of this historic geopolitical shift, experts discuss what obstacles remain to a northern enlargement of NATO, how Moscow might respond, and the overall implications for European security.

NATO's Nordic Expansion

A flurry of meetings and calls have taken place in recent days between the leaders and top diplomats of the United States, Russia, Ukraine, and European nations, in an effort to forestall potential Russian military action in Ukraine. With a diplomatic breakthrough remaining elusive and Russian forces continuing to mass close to Ukraine’s border, what might be President Putin’s next move—and is there still hope for de-escalation? General Wesley K. Clark, Ivo H. Daalder, Susan Glasser, Bianna Golodryga and Lieutenant General Mark Hertling discuss this, and more, as tensions with Russia continue to grow.

Russia and Ukraine - What's Next? – January, 20, 2022

The Summit for Democracy on December 9 and 10 brought together the heads of over 100 countries to discuss the state of political freedom around the world. Convened by President Biden, the Summit struck a somber tone, as participants grappled with the growing power of authoritarian states and the rising popularity of populist leaders within the democratic world. Michael Abramowitz, Ivo Daalder, Anders Fogh Rasmussen, and Nathalie Tocci consider the scale of the challenges raised at the Summit, and how the world’s democracies might respond.

The Summit for Democracy – What’s Next?

Democracies are facing multiplying challenges, from structural changes to geopolitical shifts to cultural transformations. Though the United States remains one of the strongest democratic nations in the world, it is by no means immune to democratic backsliding. As the American public becomes more polarized on issues such as press freedom and US-Russia relations, the question of how core democratic commitments is being even more sharply presented. Will our institutions hold? Do the systemic weaknesses revealed by recent pressures on the US Constitution require fundamental change in how it is interpreted and implemented? How likely is it that our democracy could erode, and can we mitigate the risk?

Democracy’s Crisis of Identity

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