International Republican Institute

Disrupting Democracy? How Generative Harms and Helps Democratic Societies

BJensen — Thu, 25 Apr 2024 18:26:02 +0000

Disrupting Democracy? How Generative Harms and Helps Democratic Societies

Aaron Spitler

April 25, 2024

Since becoming widely accessible to the public in late 2022, generative AI (GenAI) has been used for positive democratic outcomes, such as increasing inclusion in policymaking, and for more concerning purposes, like potentially influencing elections. Given the potential benefits and drawbacks, IRI’s Technology and Democracy Practice believes it is critical for its partners to understand GenAI, ensuring that governments and civil society are prepared for current and future impacts.

To understand these current and near-term impacts, IRI launched a Generative AI and Democracy Working Group in November 2023. The Working Group brings together individuals from academia, civil society, industry, and policy to discuss how GenAI may affect democratic processes. Topics have included GenAI’s impacts to information environments, the global digital divide, GenAI’s abuse by autocratic actors, and benefits GenAI has already brought to democracies.

This blog will delve deeper into findings from the Working Group, some of which may be included in a white paper summarizing our work to be released later this year. We’ll review concerns that have been raised regarding GenAI, as well as the advantages of this technology. Lastly, we’ll share a bit about what to expect as the Working Group winds down.

Concerns and Threats

A concern often discussed related to GenAI is how it enables disinformation to be produced faster and more cheaply. A key example of this is an experiment where an AI model created a synthetic media environment using publicly-available tools. The story demonstrated how GenAI can develop, share, and amplify fake narratives on its own, with minimal human involvement. Authoritarian regimes, including China and Russia, may take advantage of these solutions to enhance their influence operations. Meanwhile, online platform moderators may find themselves inundated with GenAI-developed content while lacking the support that could help them stem the tide. Ultimately, the misuse of GenAI by bad actors may decrease public trust in the media, undermining the functioning of democracy in the process.

Additionally, Working Group members highlighted how GenAI magnifies the global digital divide. Simply put, many tools and resources are inaccessible to those who do not speak English. AI-powered products available in the Global South are not as developed or refined compared to those in the Global North. With limited access to quality GenAI tools, or opportunities to gain much-needed skills, individuals in these parts of the world are disadvantaged. Many participants were concerned disparities would widen as GenAI becomes more complex and commonplace.

Hopes and Opportunities

However, Working Group members cautioned against accepting the doomerism that shapes discussions around GenAI and democracy. Recent Working Group sessions have explored the benefits GenAI can bring to governments. Right now, AI-powered tools are leveraged to prepare employer contracts, process legal cases, and transcribe policymaking deliberations. They even tackle more complicated tasks, such as helping domestic violence survivors find support. These discussions shed light on how GenAI is being used for good, ensuring that leaders can better assist their constituents.

Civil society can also take advantage of GenAI. One member of the group is part of the TITAN project which has created a GenAI tool that democratic actors can use to boost citizens’ digital literacy skills. Beyond helping organizations reach their broader goals, GenAI can also assist with day-to-day tasks. Products like Microsoft’s Copilot can help non-profits deal with administrative tasks, allowing them to focus more on time-intensive responsibilities. These use cases only scratch the surface of what GenAI could do for pro-democracy actors.

These are a few highlights from our Working Group series so far. Our final session on May 8^th will outline actionable steps those in government and civil society could take to guarantee GenAI works for, rather than against, democracy. Takeaways like these will be incorporated into a white paper to be released in the summer of 2024, and it is intended to be a resource for democratic actors navigating GenAI’s short and long-term impacts. We believe multi-stakeholder collaborations like this project are needed to understand, track, and address GenAI’s impacts on democracies, and help us take advantage of lessons learned from the impact of previous emerging technologies on democratic systems.

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Election Watch: North Macedonia

Ryan Mahoney — Wed, 24 Apr 2024 16:50:11 +0000

Election Watch: North Macedonia

Aaron Spitler

April 25, 2024

4 things you need to know about the election

On April 24 and May 8 citizens of North Macedonia will head to the polls for the first, and for the second round of presidential elections which will be held along with the parliamentary elections.

In the presidential elections, incumbent Stevo Pendarovski supported by the coalition led by the governing Social Democratic Union of Macedonia (SDSM), is facing six rivals in the first round. The opposition-led coalition by VMRO-Democratic Party for Macedonian National Unity (DPMNE) has nominated Member of Parliament Gordana Siljanovska – Davkova, who also faced Pendarovski in 2019. Minister of Foreign Affairs Bujar Osmani is nominated by the ethnic Albanian governing coalition partner Democratic Union for Integration (DUI), along with other smaller ethnic parties.

Three mayors have also engaged in this national race: Mayor of Kumanovo Maksim Dimitrievski, leader of newly-formed party For Our Macedonia – ZNAM (“I Know”); Gostivar Mayor and leader of, now-divided party Alliance for Albanians (AfA), Arben Taravari supported by coalition of Albanian opposition parties; and Mayor of Karposh, a Skopje-based municipality Stevco Jakimovski, leader of Citizens Option for Macedonia (GROM), who was publicly designated by the U.S. Department of State due to involvement in corruption. The second woman candidate in the presidential race is Biljana Vankovska – Cvetkovska supported by anti-NATO, anti-EU party Levica (Left).

In the parliamentary elections, 17 coalitions and parties are running, though the seven key competitors expected to win parliamentary seats mirror the presidential elections ballot: “Coalition for European Future” led by Social Democratic Union of Macedonia and until recently Prime Minister Dimitar Kovachevski, “Your Macedonia” led by VMRO-DPMNE and its president Hristijan Mickoski, “Brave for Macedonia” led by GROM and Stevco Jakimovski, “European Front” led by DUI and its leader Ali Ahmeti, “It’s Worth It” composed of the wing of AfA led by Arben Taravari, Movement BESA and its president Billal Kasami, Alternative and its president Afrim Gashi, as well as members of Vetvendosje party from Kosovo; “For Our Macedonia – ZNAM” led by Maksim Dimitrievski and Levica led by Dimitar Apasiev.

What are the issues?

Continuity, versus change, is at stake in both the presidential and the parliamentary elections. The economy and standard of living, the fight against corruption, good governance, and better functioning institutions as the most important issues in the campaign. The aim of EU integration is emphasized as a priority by almost all, but they differ in how they want to accomplish this.

Presidential elections need to reach a 40 percent turnout threshold to be successful, which is why presidential elections have been scheduled to take place on the same day. While elections in North Macedonia normally take place on a Sunday, due to the Easter holidays and the nearing end of the term of the President, this time they will take place on a Wednesday. Both days of elections have been declared as non-working days.

Why should we care?

North Macedonia’s EU membership accession negotiations should be unlocked after the elections. A NATO member, North Macedonia has been waiting to begin EU membership negotiations for almost 19 years. Blocked for many years on this path, most recently due to conditions placed on the country by Bulgaria, North Macedonia must make constitutional changes to introduce the Bulgarian minority among the other ethnic communities in its constitution to continue EU accession negotiations. The constitutional changes have been stalled in Parliament due to the lack of two-thirds majority support. The opposition parties VMRO-DPMNE (and Levica) object to these constitutional changes saying they were forced on North Macedonia by Bulgaria. VMRO-DPMNE is committed to continuing EU accession talks, but they will address the constitutional changes in a different way, such as possibly delaying enforcement of these changes and only making them effective in parallel with North Macedonia’s full EU membership. Once the constitutional changes are adopted, the country can proceed with EU membership negotiations which are seen by the citizens as the way to have functional institutions.

What can be done?

North Macedonia’s long wait in the EU lobby and the country’s weakening institutions have increased apathy among citizens. At points in the past a leader in EU integration, democracy and transparency, the country keeps experiencing setbacks. If the EU does not take North Macedonia seriously, it risks losing the majority support for EU integration. IRI’s Western Balkans poll conducted in February-March 2024 finds that North Macedonia has the second lowest public support among the six Western Balkan countries for a foreign policy course which is only pro-European Union and the West. Washington should not lose sight and should increase its support for strong institutions and democracy in North Macedonia.

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IRI Southeastern Europe Democracy Summit: Unified Support for Western Balkan, Ukrainian Integration into Europe

BJensen — Tue, 23 Apr 2024 20:52:45 +0000

IRI Southeastern Europe Democracy Summit: Unified Support for Western Balkan, Ukrainian Integration into Europe

Aaron Spitler

April 25, 2024

The International Republican Institute (IRI) held its fifth annual Southeastern Europe Democracy Summit (SEE|DEM) in Brussels, Belgium on Tuesday, 16 April, where policymakers and thought leaders from the Western Balkans, Ukraine, the European Union (EU) and the United States came together in support of building resilient democracies and greater Euro-Atlantic integration.

Vice President of the European Commission for Values and Transparency Věra Jourová, European Commissioner for Neighborhood and Enlargement Oliver Várhelyi, Minister Adea Pirdeni from Albania, Minister Maida Gorčević from Montenegro, Ukrainian Mayors Oleksandr Syenkevych of Mykolaiv and Yuriy Bova of Trostianets, and IRI President Daniel Twining took part in the summit.

Vice President of the European Commission for Values and Transparency Vera Jourova gives a keynote speech at SEE|DEM.

EU and NATO integration dominated the discussions at the summit. Commissioner Várhelyi said, “There is a wake-up call that if Europe does not deliver enlargement for its own sake, for its own interest, Europe might run the risk of losing long-term peace, stability and security.”

Vice President Jourová also commented on Ukraine’s European integration, underscoring the value of EU membership to the next generation of Ukrainians stating, “Young people in Ukraine want to enter the EU, not because of the standard of living and nice cars, but because of the freedoms and perspective it brings.”

A recent IRI poll of six countries in the Western Balkans that was released ahead of the summit showed broad support for joining the European Union (EU) and strong majorities who view Russia’s war on Ukraine as unjustified. 

IRI President Daniel Twining expressed IRI’s support for Western Balkan leaders as they work towards European accession saying, “In the face of regional challenges, our collective resolve must be to fortify the foundations of democratic pluralism and good governance, to root out corruption at every level, to advance ethnic reconciliation, and to ensure the seamless integration of states into the fabric of international institutions.”

On EU-enlargement for the Western Balkans, Várhelyi went on to say, “Our answer to the Western Balkans is a clear ‘yes.’ And it has been made very clear for them from the very beginning of 2019, and now we are working even harder to be ready to welcome them.”

IRI President Daniel Twining with Oleksandr Syenkevych, Mayor of Mykolaiv, Ukraine, during a one-on-one discussion at SEE|DEM.

IRI’s Director for Europe, Paul McCarthy, stated “SEE|DEM underlines the importance of international cooperation in tackling the key issues of conflict prevention and democratic reform.”

In its fifth year, SEE|DEM provides a unique platform for exchanges between policymakers, experts, journalists, and thought leaders from the Western Balkans, fostering much-needed multi-sector dialogue among leaders on the most pressing issues facing the region.

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A Year of Legislative Strengthening

BJensen — Mon, 22 Apr 2024 21:50:48 +0000

A Year of Legislative Strengthening

Aaron Spitler

April 25, 2024

For the first time in over twenty years, authoritarian governments outnumber liberal democracies, according to a Varieties of Democracy Institute (V-Dem) report. However, in this year of elections, 1.8 billion potential voters have an opportunity to participate in the democratic process and make their voices heard. With elections come newly elected officials, and with thousands of parliamentarians taking office in the next several months, many of them for the first time, strengthening legislatures should become a priority for development partners.

IRI is proud to collaborate and support parliaments worldwide to advance responsive and democratic governance and looks forward to opportunities to engage new members and democratic champions through our peer learning exchanges. In 2023 alone, with the support of the House Democracy Partnership (HDP) and the Institute for Representative Government (IRG), IRI successfully organized and conducted 13 parliamentary exchanges, bringing together more than 600 members of parliament and staff from 34 countries. Through these peer engagement opportunities, legislators and staff worked to foster resilience and collaboration, and renew commitment to democracy in parliaments around the world. Highlights of IRI’s work in 2023 include:

In collaboration with HDP and the National Democratic Institute (NDI), IRI made significant contributions to the 2023 Summit for Democracy. The Year of Action webinar, chaired by former Congressman and HDP founder David Price, showcased progress made from the 2021 Summit. Meanwhile, the Legislative Track of the 2023 Summit brought nearly 50 legislators together from over two dozen countries to discuss democratic renewal and advancing commitments to collectively strengthen democracies worldwide. Through these platforms, parliamentarians engaged in strategic dialogue, knowledge-sharing, and collaborative efforts to promote democratic values and governance on a global scale.

In response to the evolving security landscape in Europe, IRI collaborated with HDP and NDI to organize a regional exchange with the George C. Marshall Center. The conference focused on the changed security landscape in Europe and aimed to foster discussions between MPs from Armenia, Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine on security sector oversight and enhance coordination among partners to promote a safe and secure Europe.

HDP Chairman Vern Buchanan addresses HDP MPs in Washington, DC

Also using the regional modality, IRI arranged a Regional Women’s Economic Empowerment Forum in Chile, in collaboration with IRI’s Women’s Democracy Network, focused on advancing women’s economic opportunities across the Americas. This forum brought together legislators to discuss legislative solutions and initiatives aimed at empowering women economically. While the two events had different focuses, they both emphasized the importance of regional cooperation in addressing important issues and promoting shared values such as democracy, security, and prosperity.

Additionally, the IRG inbound exchange study tours brought together 18 lawmakers from Nepal, Sri Lanka, Kenya, and Tanzania to Washington, D.C., and enabled lawmakers to gain a firsthand understanding of governance and electoral processes in the United States, providing valuable insights and best practices to inform their work back home.

IRI also supported a bilateral meeting between Members of U.S. Congress and Members of Parliament from Ukraine during an HDP Congressional Delegation in Poland. This bilateral engagement between U.S. Congress and the Ukrainian Verkhovna Rada gave Ukrainian MPs unprecedented access to U.S. legislators to speak about best practices in making democracy deliver for citizens during and after wartime. These bilateral engagements seek to provide targeted support and attention to best address the unique needs of partner parliaments as they seek to improve their democratic processes in parliament.

Lastly, IRI arranged a Zambia fact-finding mission which consulted a wide range of in-country stakeholders to ascertain the operations and capabilities of parliament. The mission seeks to understand if there are openings and opportunities for HDP to partner with the National Assembly on efforts to advance a more responsive and independent legislature. These missions are a tool to identify where HDP can have the greatest impact in partnering with parliaments to improve citizen-centered governance.

As IRI continues its work bolstering legislatures throughout 2024, we look to build on progress made in 2023, innovate program approaches, and implement responsive and timely programming in close collaboration with partners around the world.

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Peace in Sudan: A Path Towards Negotiation

BJensen — Thu, 18 Apr 2024 21:04:28 +0000

Peace in Sudan: A Path Towards Negotiation

Aaron Spitler

April 25, 2024

Since the breakout of war between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary group, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) last April, Sudan has been engulfed by fighting that has displaced millions and led to the deaths of thousands of people. The conflict followed a power struggle between the leaders of the SAF General Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan and Mohamed Hamdan “Hemedti” Dagalo of the RSF.

To mitigate the impact of the conflict and forge a ceasefire, there have been more than four major efforts for peace talks facilitated by both international and regional partners. This article provides a breakdown of each of those peace talks and what they mean for the ongoing conflict.

The International Republican Institute is committed to supporting a civilian led transition in Sudan. IRI is working along with other organizations to empower political parties, Resistance and Change Committees (RCCs), and other key civil society organizations to effectively bring an end to the conflict and lay the foundation for inclusive and democratic governance.

Jeddah Declaration of Commitment to Protect Civilians of Sudan

The Jeddah Declaration of Commitment to Protect Civilians of Sudan, led by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United States was signed by Rear Admiral Mahjoub Bushra Ahmed Rahma from the SAF and Brigadier General, Omer Hamdan Ahmed Hammad from the RSF on May 11, 2023. The peace talk was also attended by representatives from the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), which also represented the African Union. The Declaration’s focus included the protection of civilians at all times, affirming responsibility to respect international humanitarian law and continuation of humanitarian operations.

The peace talk was, nonetheless, overshadowed by the SAF’s eventual suspension of participation in further talks in Jeddah, accusing the RSF of failure to abide by the declaration. Human rights organizations have raised concerns about “mass civilian casualties in both deliberate and indiscriminate attacks, sexual violence against women and girls”.

Addis Ababa Declaration between Taqaddum and RSF

Signed by The Coordination Body of the Democratic Civil Forces (Taqaddum) former Prime Minister Dr. Abdullah Hamdok and the Rapid Support Forces General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, the Addis Ababa Declaration focused once again on the protection of civilians, delivery of humanitarian aid, and the re-establishment of the Sudanese state.

The SAF was invited to attend the talk but declined. Despite this push-back, the two parties established three mechanisms through which the above stated objectives could be accomplished including the establishment of the National Committee for the Protection of Civilians, the Joint Committee and the Independent-National Committee to monitor all violations across Sudan and ensure accountability.

Taqaddam, comprised of multiple political parties and civil forces such as the Sudanese Congress Patry and others, has been at the forefront of efforts aimed at ending the war in Sudan and transitioning to a democratic civilian government. It is as a part of these efforts that the former Prime Minister met with RSF in Addis Ababa last January.

Bahrain Talks

The January discussions – attended by the SAF and RSF – took place over three meetings in Manama. According to reports, among those present were Egypt and UAE, supporters of the SAF and the RSF, respectively. The talks followed previous failed attempts to reach a ceasefire.

Attended by Gen. Abdelrahim Dagalo (Hemedti’s brother) from RSF and Gen. Shamsekdin Kabbashi representing SAF, it is reported that the two groups “agreed on a declaration of principles including maintaining the unity of Sudan and its military.” Unlike past meetings, the Bahrain talks have been shrouded in secrecy and spurred fears from the civilian front of a possible RSF-SAF agreement exclusive of civilian actors.

Regional Negotiation Efforts

Alongside international efforts, the African Union (AU) has also established the AU High Level Panel on Sudan (HLP-Sudan) in January 2024. The HLP-Sudan is said to work “with all stakeholders” and has so far met with Gen. al-Burhan and with a representative of the Democratic Block.

The Road Ahead

The urgent need for a ceasefire and a transition to inclusive and democratic governance in Sudan has never been clearer. The inclusion of civilian groups in creating a postwar political process is paramount. IRI is supporting Sudanese civil society, including Taqqadum, political parties, youth, women, and Resistance Committees, to build a strong and capable civilian front that can effectively negotiate for an inclusive democratic transition.

The international community should prioritize support for the Sudanese civilian front, including political parties, civil society organizations, and grassroots voices, to ensure they are included in all negotiations and political processes moving forward. IRI continues to support Sudanese civil society in their efforts to make lasting peace and democratic governance in Sudan a reality.

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IRI Western Balkans Poll: Strong Support for EU Membership, Russia’s Attacks on Ukraine Unjustified

BJensen — Tue, 16 Apr 2024 12:00:00 +0000

IRI Western Balkans Poll: Strong Support for EU Membership, Russia’s Attacks on Ukraine Unjustified

Aaron Spitler

April 25, 2024

Washington, DC – The latest multinational survey of the Western Balkans by the International Republican Institute’s (IRI) Center for Insights in Survey Research (CISR) shows broad support for joining the European Union (EU) and strong majorities who view Russia’s war on Ukraine as unjustified. The countries surveyed were Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), Kosovo, North Macedonia, Montenegro, and Serbia.

When asked if they would support joining the EU if a referendum were held today, strong majorities in five of the six countries would vote to join the alliance, ranging from 68% in North Macedonia and in Bosnia and Herzegovina to 92% in Albania. In Serbia, a plurality of 40% support joining the EU.

“There is a strong desire across the Balkans to strengthen Western economic ties and join the EU,” said Paul McCarthy, Director for Europe at IRI. “This broad support demonstrates that people throughout the region believe that further integration with the European Union can help achieve sustained prosperity.”

The poll also found majorities in five of the six surveyed countries believe Russia’s war on Ukraine is completely or somewhat unjustified. In Serbia, however, a plurality of 49% think that Russia is completely or somewhat justified.

“While these numbers are mostly positive, the Serbian responses are troubling,” said McCarthy. “If peace and security are the long-term objectives in the Balkans, the better option for Serbia is to reject Russian overtures and build stronger ties with the West.”

View the Full Poll Report

Methodology

The survey was conducted on behalf of IRI’s Center for Insights in Survey Research by Ipsos between February 2 and March 5, 2024. Data was collected through CAPI administered face-to-face interview in respondents’ homes through a multistage probability method designed to yield nationally representative samples in each country. Response rates range from 21% percent to 40%. Sample size by country varies between n=1,036 and n=1,238 and the margin of error ranges from 2.8 to 3.0 points.

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IRI Ukraine Poll: Strong Majorities Believe in Victory over Russia, Support European Union and NATO Membership

BJensen — Thu, 04 Apr 2024 16:00:00 +0000

IRI Ukraine Poll: Strong Majorities Believe in Victory over Russia, Support European Union and NATO Membership

Aaron Spitler

April 25, 2024

Kyiv, Ukraine – The latest public opinion survey in Ukraine conducted by the International Republican Institute’s (IRI) Center for Insights in Survey Research (CISR) finds strong majorities believe that Ukraine will defeat Russia in the war and are optimistic about the future. Support for joining the European Union (EU) and NATO is high.

Ukrainians are overwhelmingly optimistic about their future. When asked if Ukraine will win the conflict with Russia, 88% responded “yes.” Additionally, 80% said the future of their country looks “rather promising.”

“Despite more than two years of relentless attacks from Russia, Ukrainians continue to believe that they will emerge victorious from the war,” said Stephen Nix, Senior Director for Eurasia at IRI. “Our polling has consistently shown that Putin cannot dent their strong sense of morale.”

The poll also shows that Ukraine wants to align with the West. Seventy-seven percent of Ukrainians would support joining the EU relative to a customs union with Russia, Belarus, and Kazakhstan. Similarly, 77% stated they would vote in support of Ukraine joining NATO if a referendum were held today.

“Our data is very clear, Ukrainians believe that closer ties with the West gives them a better chance of achieving lasting peace and prosperity,” said Nix.

Read the Full Poll Report

Methodology    

The survey was conducted by the Sociological Group “Rating” on behalf of the Center for Insights in Survey Research of the International Republican Institute throughout Ukraine (except for the occupied territories of Crimea and Donbas) from February 17-21, 2024, through computer-assisted telephone interviews (CATI) based on a random sample of mobile telephone numbers. The total sample consists of n= 2,000 Ukrainians aged 18 and older.  The sample excludes any Ukrainians not currently in Ukraine. The survey data obtained was weighted by regional and age indicators using data by the State Statistics Service of Ukraine as of January 1, 2022.  The margin of error at the 95 percent confidence level does not exceed +/-2.2 percentage points. The response rate was 14 percent.   

The study was funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).   

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HDP Alumni Profile: Arben Loshi

BJensen — Thu, 04 Apr 2024 13:39:15 +0000

HDP Alumni Profile: Arben Loshi

Aaron Spitler

April 25, 2024

The House Democracy Partnership (HDP) is a bipartisan commission of the U.S. House of Representatives that works directly with over 20 partner parliaments around the world to support the development of effective, independent, and responsive legislatures. HDP is proudly implemented by the International Republican Institute (IRI) and the National Democratic Institute (NDI).   

In this month’s alumni profile, Arben Loshi, Acting Secretary General of the Assembly of Kosovo, shares his experience participating in HDP programming.  

Acting Secretary General of the Assembly of Kosovo, Arben Loshi

What parliament and chamber are you a staff member of?

I am currently the Chief Administrative Officer of the Administration of the Assembly of the Republic of Kosovo.

What HDP program did you participate in?

I participated in a workshop on “The role of research services in parliamentary life,” which focused on the role of the Congressional Research Service (CRS) in the U.S. Congress, as well as a workshop on the topic of “Increasing parliamentary efficiency: Using data-driven decision-making in the legislative process, with a focus on digital tools and innovation strategies.”

What do you want other people to know about your country?

Kosovo is very beautiful in all seasons of the year. If you visit Kosovo for a few days, it is

worth visiting Artana Castle, otherwise known as Novobërda Castle. In this castle, the ruins of a medieval city in which more than 50,000 inhabitants are kept. Then, Prizren Castle, is the most famous monument of cultural heritage and the symbol of the city of Prizren. Brezovica and Luboten, where Bjeshket e Sharrit offer spectacular views and special vegetation. Rugova, which is among the top tourist destinations on the list of top Kosovar destinations. Mountains, forests, rivers, and lakes are all valuable assets.

The Marble Cave in Gadime, also known as the “Cave of Gadima,” is 1,500 meters long and is rich in rare crystals. In Kosovo, there are four large lakes you can visit. In the municipality of Zubin Potok there is the largest lake, Ujman, then you can visit Radonić Lake in Gjakovë, Badovci Lake, which is located 5 kilometers from Pristina in the direction of Graçanica, and Batllava Lake, in the municipality of Besiana.

What advice would you give to new parliamentary staff?

Working as a staff member of the Parliament is a unique opportunity, so take the job with maximum seriousness. Always be prepared for questions about the procedures and especially about the constitutional issues and those regulated by the Rules of Procedure of the Parliament.

Why did you decide to become a staff member in parliament?

Kosovo is a parliamentary democracy and working as a staff member of the Parliament’s administration for me personally is a unique opportunity to contribute with advice and analysis for a better law-making and effective and efficient supervision of the implementation of the legislation.

Looking back on the HDP program, what was most impactful for you?

The programs realized by HDP are very professional. The workshops organized by HDP involve U.S. congressional staff who teach or share professional knowledge proven in their parliamentary life and professional experiences. It is a pleasure to learn from people with a professional background such as U.S. congressional staff.

How are you applying your experience from the HDP mission to your role as staff?

As a staff and as a parliamentary service, we implement the lessons learned from the exchanges with the experts of the counterpart services from the U.S. Congress, as far as the opportunities and procedures in force allow.

What information, if any, that you gained through the HDP program have you shared with fellow staff members in parliament?

From the training I had at CRS, at the U.S. Congress, I received additional knowledge about the techniques and methodology used by CRS for the design of qualitative research that serve the Parliamentary Commissions and individual deputies, and I translated that knowledge into my daily work, which I performed in the parliamentary research service of the Assembly of Kosovo.

What accomplishments in parliament are you most proud of?

I am particularly proud because I am the first Director of the Directorate for Research, Library and Archives in the Assembly of Kosovo. This directorate started working in 2012 and in the field of parliamentary research we have achieved high results, these results which were initially confirmed by the deputies as well as by various projects and programs which have supported the Assembly of Kosovo.

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By The People Podcast: The Fight for Freedom in Iran with Masih Alinejad

BJensen — Wed, 03 Apr 2024 19:59:24 +0000

By The People Podcast: The Fight for Freedom in Iran with Masih Alinejad

Aaron Spitler

April 25, 2024

Join host Antonia Ferrier as she sits down with activist and journalist Masih Alinejad, an international leader in the fight for women’s rights and democracy in Iran, to discuss the crucial role that women play in the fight for freedom around the world.

Masih was born and raised in Iran and began her career as a journalist within the country, where she wrote critically of the regime for various Iranian newspapers. She fled Iran in 2009 and in 2014 launched several successful social media campaigns drawing attention to the persecution of women under the Islamic Republic.

In this episode, Masih speaks to the fight against the compulsory wearing of hijabs and the rights of women throughout the world under authoritarian regimes, “I think we are not going to get anywhere if we don’t unite with other women across authoritarian regimes. That’s why, recently, I launched a new hashtag called ‘United Against Gender Apartheid.’ To echo the voice of many other women who has been working in this field from Iran to Afghanistan to ask the leaders of the free world to classify gender apartheid, to expand the definition of apartheid, in all international laws, to include gender as well … when I see women of Africa joining the hashtag I got goosebumps.”

Listen along each month as Ferrier explores the stories of freedom fighters around the world – everywhere from Ukraine to Venezuela, Taiwan to Nigeria. ‘By the People’ highlights the grave challenges facing global democracy, as well as the bright spots where democratic institutions are taking root.

‘By the People’ is available to listeners on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

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Western Balkans Task Force: 2023 in Review

BJensen — Mon, 01 Apr 2024 13:45:58 +0000

Western Balkans Task Force: 2023 in Review

Aaron Spitler

April 25, 2024

Russian and Chinese influence in the Western Balkans continued to undermine regional stability in 2023. Chinese investments – particularly in Serbia – and Russian dark money throughout the region, threatened to stall progress towards strong democratic institutions. In recent months, there has been a noticeable ratcheting-up of ethnic tensions, as evidenced by the unconstitutional celebration of a ‘national’ holiday in the Bosnian Entity of Republika Srpska on January 9th. This secessionist celebration, attended by Serbian, Russian, and Chinese officials, prompted U.S. fighter jets to perform a fly-over across Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) to show support for the country’s territorial integrity. Likewise, inter-ethnic tensions in Kosovo reached dangerous levels as multiple episodes of violence erupted in the northern municipalities.

More generally, corruption and malign foreign influence continued to impede progress towards democratization and EU accession in the Western Balkans. Using its regional networks and extensive institutional resources, IRI deployed its Western Balkans Task Force on Threats to Democracy to combat these pernicious forces.

The Western Balkans Task Force – an association of reformist thought leaders, policymakers, and journalists working to dismantle barriers to stable, democratic governance – convenes periodically throughout the year to address the obstacles that threaten to subvert reconciliation and democratization in the Western Balkans. Chief among these anti-democratic challenges are the destabilizing political, economic, and social effects of rampant corruption, and the influence of malign foreign actors – namely Russia and China. These two problems amplify each other, as malign foreign actors are able to use and expand existing corruption networks in the region to curry favor with government and business elites.

Foreign authoritarians also leverage legitimate channels to gain financial and cultural influence through foreign direct investment. Predatory investment practices in the relatively poor and underdeveloped Western Balkans create situations where governments are beholden to their foreign authoritarian benefactors instead of their own citizens. Additionally, Russia and China make use of the information sphere to stoke interethnic tensions, sow mistrust in democratic institutions, and foment anti-Western sentiment. These problems contribute to societal breakdown in the Western Balkans, which causes many young, educated, and ambitious citizens – the very people who are essential for creating democratizing societal change – to emigrate. The Task Force is working to expand its network of activists and garner interest from key stakeholders to counter the deleterious effects of corruption and malign foreign influence.

In May 2023, IRI held the fourth Southeastern Europe Democracy Summit (SEE|DEM) in Budva, Montenegro. In addition to showcasing the Task Force’s work on fighting corruption and countering foreign authoritarian influence, the three-day event brought together stakeholders from around the region to discuss barriers to democratization and ways to combat them. Participants from the EU and U.S. were also in attendance. Notable speakers and panelists included U.S. Ambassador to Montenegro Judy Reinke, President of Montenegro Jakov Milatovic, Prime Minister of Montenegro Dr. Dritan Abazovic, as well as ministers and members of parliament from Albania, Montenegro, BiH, and Kosovo. The presence of high-level government officials at the conference indicates a level of willingness among local elites to consider and implement policy recommendations such as those provided by the Task Force in a series of six recently published policy papers.

The policy papers address the challenges of corruption, kleptocracy, and malign foreign influence in each of the six Westen Balkans countries. Using the findings from the policy papers, IRI and the Task Force are engaging government officials and other important stakeholders across the region and beyond – including officials in Serbia and Albania, the Vice Chairman of Montenegro’s National Anticorruption council, and U.S. lawmakers. Additionally, IRI commissioned the production of a series of visually pleasing YouTube videos that provide a brief synopsis of each publication.

Looking ahead, IRI is excited to announce that the 2024 SEE|DEM Conference will be held in Brussels, Belgium. By holding SEE|DEM in the political heart of the EU, IRI will draw European leaders’ attention to the Task Force’s work to address the obstacles facing the Western Balkans countries on their paths to EU accession and lasting stability. IRI is also in the process of commissioning new public opinion research that will shed light on the region’s most pressing issues and allow us to track how public sentiment has evolved since our 2022 regional poll.

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