Project Syndicate

By Chris Patten LONDON – The most compelling argument for liberal democracy is that it empowers citizens to choose their own leaders, effectively placing the country’s present and future in voters’ hands.

By Mary Robinson DUBLIN – This summer of record-breaking heat waves and contentious elections around the world offers a valuable opportunity to reflect on the role individuals can play in driving positive change.

By  Zaki Laïdi PARIS – By calling a snap parliamentary election in the wake of his party’s defeat in the June European Parliament election, French President Emmanuel Macron hoped to “clarify” the political situation for his own benefit.

By Shashi Tharoor NEW DELHI – Last month, the lieutenant governor of Delhi granted the police permission to prosecute Indian activist and prize-winning author Arundhati Roy under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).

By Joseph E. Stiglitz NEW YORK – Something has been missing from the flood of commentary following the debate between US President Joe Biden and Donald Trump.

By María Fernanda Bozmoski WASHINGTON, DC – Nicaragua continues to make headlines for all the wrong reasons.

By Bruce Ackerman NEW HAVEN – Both Chief Justice John Roberts and Justice Sonia Sotomayor of the United States Supreme Court have just announced grand opinions trying to resolve the fundamental constitutional issues raised by former President Donald Trump’s claim to absolute immunity from criminal prosecution for his actions while in office.

By Gilbert F. Houngbo and Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva GENEVA – It is easy to be pessimistic in these fraught, uncertain times.

By Peter Singer MELBOURNE – After US President Joe Biden’s stumbling and unconvincing performance during the debate with former President Donald Trump on June 27, it is no exaggeration to say that the future of our planet may depend on a decision he must make.

By Nina L. Khrushcheva NEW YORK – When the Soviet Union collapsed and global communism retreated, many hoped that the days of authoritarian leaders cultivating “cults of personality” were over.

By Iván Duque Márquez BOGOTÁ – In late May, Dominican President Luis Abinader was re-elected with 58% of the vote, securing the majority needed to forgo a second round of voting.

By Joschka Fischer BERLIN – Although the European Union’s 27 member states are formally equal, the reality is that there are huge differences between them.

By Bruce Ackerman NEW HAVEN – French President Emmanuel Macron’s decision to dissolve parliament and call a snap election this Sunday will divert the world’s attention from another possible political earthquake.

By Jordan Bleicher and Josh Lipsky CAMBRIDGE, MA/WASHINGTON, DC – In a 1955 speech to a group of investment bankers, then-US Federal Reserve Chair William McChesney Martin shared a story about an economics professor who always administered the same exam.

By Mia Amor Mottley and Wale Edun BRIDGETOWN/ABUJA – A problem as unprecedentedly large and destructive as climate change demands bold new thinking and urgent action.

By Emmanuel Macron, José Manuel Barroso, and Mohamed Cheikh El Ghazouani PARIS – Multilateralism, we are told, is in retreat.

By Titir Bhattacharya and Tanika Chakraborty COVENTRY/KOLKATA – In recent years, governments in low- and middle-income countries have been experimenting with ways to alleviate the financial burden of high out-of-pocket costs for health care, which account for 40% of households’ catastrophic health spending.

By Roberto Patiño CARACAS – The upcoming presidential election in Venezuela, scheduled for July 28, is a critical moment for the country.

By William R. Rhodes and Stuart P.M. Mackintosh WASHINGTON, DC – Tensions between the United States and China continue to flare, even as Treasury Secretary Janet L.

By  Jorge G. Castañeda MEXICO CITY – Mexico’s elections delivered numerous surprises but few certainties.