Democracy! The Podcast

CEPPS Advisor Adrienne Ross, Fmr Deputy Asst Secretary Strategic Communications, US Dept of State, Journalist

Democracy! The Podcast offers listeners a close-up look at some of the most perplexing challenges facing the vitality of democracy around the world. Move beyond armchair activist, or news junkie, and gain a real understanding for the fight to defend democracy around the world. Hear how teams, from the International Foundation for Electoral Systems, International Republican Institute, and the National Democratic Institute, that make up the consortium called "CEPPS," tackle debilitating threats like corruption, disinformation, rising authoritarianism, dictatorships, economic disasters, and failed governments, and learn how you, too, can join the fight for democracy. This work is conducted through the Global Elections and Political Transitions award, in partnership and funding from USAID. Join the most experienced experts in the field as they explain how they help citizens tackle real-life problems and move their countries toward a more democratic process for all, while standing up for those who suffer discrimination, punishment, persecution, or are simply excluded from their own nation's political processes. These are their first-hand stories from the front lines. This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Chartable - https://chartable.com/privacy read less
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Episodes

Defending Democracy: The Future of Ukraine
Feb 24 2023
Defending Democracy: The Future of Ukraine
One year into Russia’s war on Ukraine, we take a look at how Ukrainians are preparing for life after war, their relentless optimism and their deep dedication to keeping the wheels of justice rolling, in this fourth and final episode of the limited series, “Defending Democracy: Ukraine”.Last February, the International Foundation for Electoral Systems Head of Political and Legal Affairs Alisa Shushkovska fled Kyiv with her child, when rockets flew past their apartment window.  But even as she navigated life as a refugee abroad, she never stopped working towards the future of Ukraine. Alisa is the fiber on which Ukraine will prevail amid this war. She takes time from her work to discuss with Adrienne what free and fair elections look like in post-war Ukraine.  Then, the powerhouse director of Ukraine’s first organization to win the Nobel Peace Prize for documenting more than 28,000 alleged Russian war crimes since 2014, Oleksandra Matviichuk, calls for a new international tribunal to hold Russian President Putin accountable. The 2022 Nobel Laureate gives Adrienne a haunting account of what she has seen and explains how she believes the international community can restore justice for the victims of this deadly aggression.Plus, it’s often said that Ukraine is fighting two wars. Hear from President Zelenskyy’s pick to run the cabinet-level National Agency on Corruption Prevention, Oleksandr Novikov. He is a man on a mission who will stop at nothing to combat corruption, defend democracy, and protect the future of Ukraine. Key LinksWill a special Ukraine tribunal really happen? Yahoo NewsUkraine Recovery and Reconstruction Needs Estimated $349 BillionUkraine adopts new and improved referendum lawIRI Public Opinion Survey of Residents of Ukraine | June 2022IRI Public Opinion Survey of Residents of UkraineFollow CEPPS on Twitter and Instagram.Democracy! The Podcast is hosted by CEPPS and Adrienne Ross, with production assistance from Amy Radlinski and voiceover from Alix Lawson.   Featured guests in this episode: Oleksandra Matviichuk, Director, Center for Civil Liberties (Ukraine),  2022 Nobel Laureate.
Defending Democracy: The Battle for Kyiv
Feb 17 2023
Defending Democracy: The Battle for Kyiv
On the morning of February 24, 2022, Russian troops blasted Kyiv with heavy artillery and missile strikes focusing their assault on several main targets including Boryspil International Airport.  While apparently intending to overtake the capital city quickly, Russian troops, instead, retreated after weeks of difficult fighting.  Today, home to 3.6 million people, Kyiv remains a hotly unwon part of Russia’s wide-scale military campaign. In “Defending Democracy: The Battle for Kyiv '', we take a closer look at all that lies there, the damage that has been done, and the danger that still exists.  Plus, the country’s most famous mayor, the former world heavyweight boxing champ, Vitali Klitschko returns to the podcast with a candid account of what it takes to lead his hometown in war.  The son of a Soviet Air Force Officer and survivor of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster, Klitschko is a true defender of democracy who knows first-hand what’s in jeopardy.    Plus, the war has turned more than 9 million Ukrainians into refugees.  One proud Kyvian who made her way to the United States sits down with Adrienne at the Florida International University's Washington, DC studio to tell her story and share just what it means to leave your family, flee your homeland, and all that you know in the midst of war.  Key LinksThe Women’s Democracy Network of UkraineReuters: Ukrainian village leader and family found buried in shallow grave Florida International University’s Ukraine Resource GuideFIU and USAID sign historic agreement to increase jobs, internships and research opportunities for studentsFollow CEPPS on Twitter and Instagram.Democracy! The Podcast is hosted by CEPPS and Adrienne Ross, with production assistance from Amy Radlinski and voiceover from Alix Lawson. Special thanks to Florida International University in Washington, DC for the generous access to their recording studio.Featured guests in this episode: The Honorable Mayor of Kyiv Vitali Klitschko Natalia Yakymchuk, Program and Evaluation Officer, The International Republican Institute This podcast has been produced by the Consortium for Elections, and Political Process Strengthening through the Democratic Elections and Political Processes Cooperative Agreement and is made possible by the generous...
Defending Democracy: The People of Ukraine
Feb 10 2023
Defending Democracy: The People of Ukraine
By definition, “democracy” thrives or dies according to the will of the people, and in Ukraine, it’s the people who have made all the difference.  In the second episode of this four-part miniseries, “Defending Democracy: The People of Ukraine,” we look at what Ukrainians have endured to maintain a modern, democratic society in the midst of Russia’s attacks.     First, Adrienne talks to three co-chairs of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine’s Equal Opportunity Caucus who share their memories from the first days of Russia’s full-scale invasion, to the fight they've had keeping the lights on in parliament no matter what. These thoughtful “People’s Deputies” also detail the massive paradigm shift their country is experiencing as more than 50,000 women report for duty on Ukraine’s frontlines.Plus, Oleksandr Syenkevych’s story sounds like the plot of a Hollywood action movie, but he is, in fact, the real-life, democratically elected mayor of the town nicknamed, “City of Heroes.” Together he and the citizens of Mykolaiv have survived some of the worst bombings of the war while stopping Russian Armed Forces from advancing along the Black Sea.  Meantime, across the country, Ukraine’s mayors are being hunted, targeted, disappeared, and murdered by Russian troops. In fact, the invaders have destroyed nearly everything in Mykolaiv except the people’s dedication to democracy and their will to prevail. Key LinksEqual Opportunity Caucus: Gender equality in Ukraine. What has changed in 30 years?Harder than ever: How power outages affect people with disabilities in UkraineUN High Commissioner for Refugees Data Portal for Ukraine Refugee Situation UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Civilian Casualties USAID Humanitarian Assistance Ukraine Follow CEPPS on Twitter and Instagram.Democracy! The Podcast is hosted by CEPPS and Adrienne Ross with production assistance from Amy Radlinski.  Featured guests in this episode: People’s Deputy of Ukraine Maryna Bardina, Servant of the People Party, Equal Opportunity Caucus co-chair; Chair of the parliamentary subcommittee on Ukraine’s compliance with international commitments on human rights and gender equality. People’s Deputy of Ukraine Mariia Ionova, European Solidarity Party, Equal Opportunities Caucus co-chair.
Defending Democracy: Ukraine Under Fire
Feb 3 2023
Defending Democracy: Ukraine Under Fire
In February 2022, Russian military forces launched a full-scale attack on Ukraine, escalating the conflict in the Eastern part of the country which began in 2014, and sparking the largest refugee crisis on the European continent since the end of World War II. In the first episode of this in-depth capsule series, “Defending Democracy: Ukraine Under Fire,” Dr. Hanna Hopko, head of the National Interest Advocacy Network and former member of the Verkhovna Rada, walks you through the war’s broad impact on Ukraine and the world. Then CEPPS International Republican Institute Political Parties Program Officer Vyacheslav “Slava” Lipetskiy shares a crucial decision he made in the first moments of the war that would change his life and the way he thinks about democracy forever. His powerful story is not to be missed. Finally, as the ground war kicked into high gear, Russia’s assault in cyberspace also created havoc for Ukraine’s critical infrastructure. The International Foundation for Electoral Systems’ Senior Global Advisor for Cyber and Information Integrity, Matt Bailey, explains the critical role cyber warfare plays in Russia’s war on Ukraine.Key LinksUSAID Humanitarian Assistance in UkraineUSG Response to the Complex Emergency in UkraineIFES in UkraineIRI in UkraineNDI in UkraineANTS – National Interests Advocacy NetworkShe helped fight for Ukraine's democracy. She hopes it survivesFormer Ukrainian Parliament member tells Insider the US and allied countries must do more: 'Does morality end at the NATO border?'Former Ukrainian MP releases 2015 Biden letter, pleads for no-fly zone, fighter jets, air defense systemsPress Conference: International Center for Ukrainian Victory established in WarsawInternational Center for Ukraine VictoryFollow CEPPS on Twitter and Instagram.Democracy! The Podcast is hosted by CEPPS and Adrienne Ross with production assistance from Amy Radlinski. Featured guests in this episode: Dr. Hanna Hopko, PhD; ...
Democracy! The Podcast is Back for Season 2
Oct 20 2022
Democracy! The Podcast is Back for Season 2
Welcome back to Democracy! The Podcast, brought to you by the Consortium for Elections and Political Process Strengthening, direct from Washington, D.C., with funding and support from the United States Agency for International Development.Very soon, season two of Democracy! The Podcast will launch. It’s been almost a whole year since the end of season one, and in that time, democracy has taken a tumultuous turn in many nations.  While we learned in season one that democracy is always a work in progress, some, like President Biden, warn that the threat to democracy has never before been so grave.  “Over the last 30 years, the forces of autocracy have revived all across the globe.  Its hallmarks are familiar ones: contempt for the rule of law, contempt for democratic freedom, contempt for the truth itself.” In our time, we’ve witnessed rising autocracies and repressive governments cracking down in new, sophisticated, and, frankly, dangerous ways. They’ve been busy muzzling journalists, blasting disinformation, and of course, the world witnessed, in real-time, as war was waged on a sovereign nation in eastern Europe.“Today, Russia has strangled democracy; has sought to do so elsewhere, not only in its homeland.”But despite all of this, at the United States Agency for International Development, Administrator Samantha Power says there are places where democracy is gaining a fragile foothold:“We must cement progress in democratic bright spots that are out there right now, right now.”So, where are these so-called bright spots, and what can we learn from their triumphs over tyranny?    Join me, Adrienne Ross, for Democracy! The Podcast, as we head back out on the road for a front seat to history.  Gain a stronger understanding of how a consortium, made up of the three leading US development organizations, the International Foundation for Electoral Systems, the International Republican Institute, and the National Democratic Institute, comes together to support citizens of emerging democracies all over the world. “Help people fight digital authoritarianism and shine a light on the oligarchs and autocrats who hide their ill-gotten gains in dark corners.”Get the unfiltered story from the most skilled democracy experts in the field and find out how side by side with citizens, they tackle the world’s most egregious threats to peace and prosperity.  “Every day, we see courageous people, many of them living in the most oppressive regimes on earth, taking unbelievable risks to protest for their freedom. Citizens from nations like Malawi, Moldova, and the Maldives will awe you with their courage. Democracy experts will explain why it’s crucial we lend a hand to those who rise against tyranny.  We’ll also go in-depth on the war in Ukraine and hear from leaders like President Zelenskyy:“Strong doesn't mean weak. strong is brave and ready to fight for the rights of its citizens and citizens of the world.”  From Armenia to Zambia, we’ll examine how some countries have transformed from darkness to “bright spots”.  And ask how a nation like Honduras broke through the confines of Covid-19 to deliver successful elections. We will chase inspirational stories from the Pacific Islands to the Dominican Republic, to Nepal, and Tanzania. And hear from world leaders
Democratic Resilience
Oct 29 2021
Democratic Resilience
“If you don't give people dignity, you don't create a system that leads to better health, education, peace, security outcomes. And it's not the world that free peoples want to live in. So, democracy matters. It's hard, but it, for all its faults, in all its deficiencies, it works in all its messiness.” The Honorable Derek Mitchell, Ambassador & President, The National Democratic Institute.  Key LinksMore from Ambassador Mitchell: Sustainable pandemic recovery depends on building back democraticallyIFES: Overcoming Challenges to Democracy and Governance Programs in Post-Conflict CountriesUSAID Emergency Fact Sheet on SudanUSAID Statement: Administrator Samantha Power on Military Takeover in Sudan----At the heart of democracy lies peace, security, and resilience, and for some countries, these qualities are the toughest to come by.  So, where does a nation start when trying to build a strong, resilient, and lasting democracy?  In this episode of Democracy! The Podcast, we head to the Republic of Sudan in northeast Africa to seek some answers.   Then, Ambassador Derek Mitchell, the President of the National Democratic Institute, has seen democracy’s rise and fall from nearly every angle.  He talks to Adrienne about witnessing some of democracy’s most remarkable moments and shares a retrospective look at what it all means.   Democracy! The Podcast is brought to you by the Consortium for Elections and Political Process Strengthening (CEPPS) with support from the United States Agency for International Development through the Global Elections and Political Transitions Award.  ----Follow CEPPS on Twitter. Democracy! The Podcast is hosted by CEPPS and Adrienne Ross. This podcast has been produced by the Consortium for Elections, and Political Process Strengthening through the Global Elections and Political Transitions award and is made possible by the generous support of the American people through the United States Agency for International Development.Opinions expressed here are those of the host and the guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of USAID or the US Government.  This show is produced by Evo Terra and Simpler Media.This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Chartable - https://chartable.com/privacy
Navigating the Northern Triangle: Part 2
Oct 22 2021
Navigating the Northern Triangle: Part 2
“I believe that corruption affects the whole country in every way. And when state money is not used in sustained public policy to combat poverty, inequality, malnutrition, or for entrepreneurship, the citizens of a country do not find options, and leave their country for lack of opportunities.” Congressman Nineth Montenegro, former Second Vice President of the Congress of Guatemala & Human Rights Leader.Key LinksUSAID Programming in the Northern TriangleUSAID Increases Efforts to Address Irregular MigrationCNN en Español: llegan a Guatemala hambrientos y sin zapatos, aseguran autoridadesEl Periodico: la dictadura saca la garrasOjo Con Mi Pisto: Educación alimentaria: clave para optimizar el empleo de remesasOjo Con Mi Pisto: Caquipec transforma las remesas en desarrollo para la comunidad----Irregular migration is a global crisis responsible for critical health, economic, security, and citizenship issues everywhere.  So, have you ever wondered about the so-called “pull-factors” that cause people to leave their homes and flee the Northern Triangle? In this episode of Democracy! The Podcast, we dive head first into the issue of immigration in Guatemala as we talk to a few people who have witnessed the problem first-hand.  We’ll visit with a couple of the consortium’s partners who traveled to the tiny border town of El Ceibo between Mexico and Guatemala, and hear more about their work strengthening Guatemala's government to alleviate the problem on its own.  Plus, her husband was one of the 40,000 people tragically “disappeared” from the streets of Guatemala City in the 1980s.  Guatemalan Congressman Nineth Montenegro, former Second Vice President of the Congress of Guatemala, and a well-known human rights leader, gives a candid account of what she suffered during the country's conflict, and how it dramatically transformed her life into one of public service.  She shares her greatest wish for her country and even explains why some Guatemalans have come to love the infamous “coyotes”, when she sits down with Adrienne.  Democracy! The Podcast is brought to you by the Consortium for Elections and Political Process Strengthening (CEPPS) with support from the United States Agency for International Development through the Global Elections and Political Transitions Award.  ----Follow CEPPS on Twitter. Democracy! The Podcast is hosted by CEPPS and Adrienne Ross. This podcast has been produced by the Consortium...
Navigating the Northern Triangle: Part 1
Oct 15 2021
Navigating the Northern Triangle: Part 1
“...stability in the Central American region is at stake. We already have Nicaragua that the rest of Central America is concerned about, but we [also] have in the northern part of Central America, three governments in different areas, undermining the rule of law, transparency, and any freedom of speech, or movement by civil society and journalists.”  Deborah Ullmer, NDI, Regional Director for Latin America & the Caribbean Programs.Key LinksVota Bus: Guess Who’s Back? Back AgainVota Bus: Beep! Beep! Make Way for Democracy!----In this episode of Democracy! The Podcast, join us as we head to Central America to navigate the nations of the Northern Triangle: Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador.  Find out what’s really driving immigration, economic woes, and an alarming number of headlines about unstable democracy.  Plus, hear first-hand from the consortium’s teams as they prepare to stand by Hondurans in the upcoming general elections.    Then, in a very short period of time, El Salvador’s democracy has gone from a beacon of hope to red alert.  We’ll learn what the crisis could indicate for the future of the country and dreams of enduring stability in the region, when Adrienne sits down with Ambassador Roger Noriega to break it all down.  And then, beep beep, make way for the Vota Bus!  Democracy gets a lift when citizens gain a better understanding of their own rights and responsibilities. Democracy! The Podcast is brought to you by the Consortium for Elections and Political Process Strengthening (CEPPS) with support from the United States Agency for International Development through the Global Elections and Political Transitions Award.  ----Follow CEPPS on Twitter. Democracy! The Podcast is hosted by CEPPS and Adrienne Ross. This podcast has been produced by the Consortium for Elections, and Political Process Strengthening through the Global Elections and Political Transitions award and is made possible by the generous support of the American people through the United States Agency for International Development.Opinions expressed here are those of the host and the guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of USAID or the US Government.  This show is produced by Evo Terra and Simpler Media.This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Chartable - https://chartable.com/privacy
Ukraine: Stronger Together
Oct 8 2021
Ukraine: Stronger Together
“It's my goal to bring real clear rules [to Ukrainian politics] like in sports. If you break the rules in sports, you pay a penalty, or are disqualified...we try to give the executives exactly the same standards in Ukrainian politics.” The Honorable Mayor Vitali Klitschko, Mayor of Kyiv & former world heavy weight boxing champion. Key LinksNDI Ukraine HomepageIRI Municipal Survey of UkrainiansIFES Engages Youth on Democracy and Human Rights throughout Ukraine----Ukraine’s 30 years of statehood have been marked by a series of highs and lows, like the Orange Revolution in 2004 and the Euromaidan Revolution of Dignity in 2014, on an unswerving path towards a more stable democracy. In this episode of Democracy! The Podcast, we are joined by all three of the consortium’s members to talk about the power of their partnerships. From the disinformation of COVID-19, to strengthening Ukraine’s electoral institutions, hear how IFES, IRI, and NDI work side by side with Ukrainians to capitalize on their democratic superpowers in support of the country’s continued independence. Then, Dr. Ironfist, aka, the former world heavyweight boxing champion, and current Mayor of Kyiv, the Honorable Vitali Klitschko, sits down with Adrienne to discuss how his years in the boxing ring prepared him to take on the fight for democracy in his homeland. Democracy! The Podcast is brought to you by the Consortium for Elections and Political Process Strengthening (CEPPS) with support from the United States Agency for International Development through the Global Elections and Political Transitions Award.  ----Follow CEPPS on Twitter. Democracy! The Podcast is hosted by CEPPS and Adrienne Ross. This podcast has been produced by the Consortium for Elections, and Political Process Strengthening through the Global Elections and Political Transitions award and is made possible by the generous support of the American people through the United States Agency for International Development.Opinions expressed here are those of the host and the guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of USAID or the US Government.  This show is produced by Evo Terra and Simpler Media.This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Chartable - https://chartable.com/privacy
The Download: Haiti
Oct 1 2021
The Download: Haiti
“In any country, the work of democratic development is a process…and it's been a very hard, steep, rocky, bumpy path for the Haitians.  But it's a path where they can and will continue to make progress.”  Tony Banbury, President & CEO, The International Foundation for Electoral Systems. Key LinksIFES President Tony Banbury Testifies on Human Rights in HaitiIRI LAC Director Testifies on the Future of Democracy in HaitiWhite House Fact Sheet: US Assistance to Haiti ----From the shocking assassination of their president, to a deadly earthquake, and the crush of Covid-19, Haiti has dominated the headlines the past several months.  But on this episode of Democracy! The Podcast, find out why the media doesn’t always get the story right, and why the news isn’t all bad for the Caribbean’s 2nd largest island.  Hear from a few of the consortium’s partners working on the frontlines of Haiti’s fight for democracy everyday.  Plus, two Haitian electoral experts sit down to talk with Adrienne about the future and where their hope lies in seeing their nation transformed.  Plus, Tony Banbury, the President and CEO of the International Foundation for Electoral Systems, shares a life-altering experience that put him at the center of tragedy, and transformed his thoughts on Haiti’s future.   Democracy! The Podcast is brought to you by the Consortium for Elections and Political Process Strengthening (CEPPS) with support from the United States Agency for International Development through the Global Elections and Political Transitions Award.  ----Follow CEPPS on Twitter. Democracy! The Podcast is hosted by CEPPS and Adrienne Ross. This podcast has been produced by the Consortium for Elections and Political Process Strengthening through the Global Elections and Political Transitions award and is made possible by the generous support of the American people through the United States Agency for International Development.Opinions expressed here are those of the host and the guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of USAID or the US Government.  This show is produced by Evo Terra and Simpler Media.This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Chartable - https://chartable.com/privacy
When Women Win
Sep 3 2021
When Women Win
“More than half the population of practically every country is female, and therefore, it is a waste of a resource not to have women involved in active ways to make life better in their own countries.” The Honorable Dr. Madeleine Albright, the 64th US Secretary of State.Key LinksIFES’s Rural Women in Tunisia (Video) "Not Before 18” & The 30% Gender Quota in Libya Full interview with the Honorable Dr. Madeleine Albright (Video)----On this episode of Democracy! The Podcast, we take an in-depth look at what happens when women win.  First, tag along to Tunisia for the scoop on a group of rural women who had overlooked their right to vote for years.  Follow their story as they grow from apathetic to empowered citizens helping to steer the future of their country at the ballot box. In Peru, we’ll take a sobering look at terrifying violence intended to derail a woman’s shot at running for office.  Then we’ll sit down with the 64th US Secretary of State and Chair of the Albright Stonebridge Group, the Honorable Dr. Madeleine Albright, as she speaks out on some of the most urgent issues facing women around the world today, and shares some of her best behind the scene stories as the US’s first top woman diplomat.  Democracy! The Podcast is brought to you by the Consortium for Elections and Political Process Strengthening (CEPPS) with support from the United States Agency for International Development through the Global Elections and Political Transitions Award.  ----Follow CEPPS on Twitter. Democracy! The Podcast is hosted by CEPPS and Adrienne Ross. This podcast has been produced by the Consortium for Elections and Political Process Strengthening through the Global Elections and Political Transitions award and is made possible by the generous support of the American people through the United States Agency for International Development.Opinions expressed here are those of the host and the guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of USAID or the US Government.  This show is produced by Evo Terra and Simpler Media.This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Chartable - https://chartable.com/privacy
The Next Generation
Aug 27 2021
The Next Generation
“The most important part of political organizations…is to start working whatever on your street, within your house, within your building, with the small problems that you have around yourself, and maybe you will fall in love with that part of politics, that part of civic engagement, and maybe that is the way to keep on going….” Malik Sakić, President, The European Democracy Youth Network. Key LinksBoy Scouts & Girl Guides in Libya (Video)IFES Engages Youth on Democracy and Human Rights Throughout Ukraine (Video)Strengthening Engagement Through Education for DemocracyThe European Democracy Youth Network----Across the planet, people under the age of 30 make up the largest youth count in history. Yet, despite the tough reality that many face significant threats to their happiness and livelihood, the next generation shimmers with some of the brightest stars on our horizon.     In this episode of Democracy! The Podcast, discover why Libya’s most trusted institutions, the Boy Scouts and Girl Guides, are also the country’s top go-to groups for getting the most important messages right.   Then we head to the classroom in Ukraine to be schooled on a wildly popular civics class that’s changing more than just students’ schedules. And, finally, he was born in wartime, but today Bosnia and Herzegovina's Malik Sakić is one of democracy’s biggest champions as president of the European Democracy Youth Network.  Find out what he says drove him to get involved in public life, and his best advice for those looking to make a change, when he sits down to chat with Adrienne.        Democracy! The Podcast is brought to you by the Consortium for Elections and Political Process Strengthening (CEPPS) with support from the United States Agency for International Development through the Global Elections and Political Transitions Award.  ----Follow CEPPS on Twitter. Democracy! The Podcast is hosted by CEPPS and Adrienne Ross. This podcast has been produced by the Consortium for Elections, and Political Process Strengthening through the Global Elections and Political Transitions award and is made possible by the generous support of the American people through the United States Agency for International Development.Opinions expressed here are those of the host and the guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of USAID or the US Government.  This show is produced by Evo Terra and Simpler Media.This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Chartable - https://chartable.com/privacy
The Covid Conundrum
Aug 20 2021
The Covid Conundrum
“...what does it take to have democratic governance effectively manage something like a pandemic? [W]e have to figure out how to bring strong, effective public health responses to democratic governments.”  Dr. David Ross, ScD, President & CEO, The Task Force for Global Health.----Key LinksThe Task Force for Global HealthElections and COVID-19 Response Analysis: 2020 Parliamentary Elections in SerbiaIFES COVID-19 Briefing SeriesUSAID’s COVID-19 Response: Fact Sheet-----All over the world, the COVID-19 pandemic has turned lives upside down, disrupted hundreds of elections, and challenged our status quo of what we typically expect democracies to deliver. In this episode of Democracy! The Podcast, we’ll travel to Ethiopia to hear how elections transpired this spring in the midst of the Coronavirus outbreak and what might lie ahead for Africa’s 2nd most populous country when they plan to complete the voting process this fall.    Then we’ll check in on the situation in the Balkans.  Learn what citizens there had to say about what it would take for them to feel safe enough to vote.And finally, the head of the Task Force for Global Health, Dr. David Ross, sits down with Adrienne to get a 360-degree look at what he thinks has to happen for the Covid-19 pandemic to end.  Democracy! The Podcast is brought to you by the Consortium for Elections and Political Process Strengthening (CEPPS) with support from the United States Agency for International Development through the Global Elections and Political Transitions Award.  -----Follow CEPPS on Twitter. Democracy! The Podcast is hosted by CEPPS and Adrienne Ross. This podcast has been produced by the Consortium for Elections, and Political Process Strengthening through the Global Elections and Political Transitions award and is made possible by the generous support of the American people through the United States Agency for International Development.Opinions expressed here are those of the host and the guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of USAID or the US Government.  This show is produced by Evo Terra and Simpler Media.This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Chartable - https://chartable.com/privacy
Under Attack: Malign Influence & Disinformation
Aug 13 2021
Under Attack: Malign Influence & Disinformation
"[I]f we want to protect our own democracy and our own security we need to be alert to the fact that we are subject to these [malign influence & disinformation] campaigns, even if we can't quite see them or trace their finger prints." Dan Twining, President, The International Republican Institute. -----Key LinksIRI Communications Experts Provide Vital Support During Challenging TimesNDI Presidential Election Reports: 2019 first round, 2019 second round, 2019 parliamentary election, 2020 local election The CEPPS Countering Disinformation GuideCountering Disinformation in Ecuador -----While the explosive growth of digital and social media has skyrocketed to universal access over the past several years, nations with nefarious intent, including Russia and China, can now sow seeds of chaos and confusion more easily than ever.In this episode of Democracy! The Podcast, we’ll focus on the threat malign influence and disinformation present to stable societies and democracies everywhere.  We’ll start in the ancient land of Armenia, where twin crises collided last year, ushering in never before seen levels of nefarious interference.  Then we’ll take a look at Ukraine, where teams combated malign influence online during three sets of elections.   And finally, the President of the International Republican Institute shares his perspective on the crippling effect foreign nations have when their bad intentions infiltrate the public information space, and how you can protect yourself from falling prey.    Democracy! The Podcast is brought to you by the Consortium for Elections and Political Process Strengthening (CEPPS) with support from the United States Agency for International Development through the Global Elections and Political Transitions Award.  -----Follow CEPPS on Twitter. Democracy! The Podcast is hosted by CEPPS and Adrienne Ross. This podcast has been produced by the Consortium for Elections and Political Process Strengthening through the Global Elections and Political Transitions award and is made possible by the generous support of the American people through the United States Agency for International Development.Opinions expressed here are those of the host...
The Power of the Press: Media’s Role in Democracy
Aug 5 2021
The Power of the Press: Media’s Role in Democracy
"[T]he media is the first line of attack in really chipping away and undermining democracy.” Rosarie Tucci, USAID Director, Democracy, Rights & Governance Center Key LinksRead NDI’s Kosovo's Vibrant Democracy: Closing the deficit in women's full participation Check out Internews V-Dem Democracy Report 2021: Autocratization Turns Viral -----As the rise of corruption, authoritarian power, and nefarious interference takes hold in many countries, the power of the press has been challenged throughout the globe.  In this episode of Democracy! The Podcast, we’ll examine the role media plays in sustaining a free and independent society, and why the bad guys always take the first aim at the press corps.  First, we travel to Kosovo to hear what our CEPPS consortium partners, Nancy Soderberg and Pajtim Gashi from the National Democratic Institute, are doing to counter disinformation and misogyny.  Then, Jeanne Bourgault, President and CEO of Internews, a CEPPS partner who trains independent journalists and digital rights activists, shares what journalists deal with in a compromised information space.    Finally, we have a candid conversation with USAID Director of the Democracy, Rights, and Governance Center Rosarie Tucci about media sustainability and what the future holds.   Democracy! The Podcast is brought to you by the Consortium for Elections and Political Process Strengthening (CEPPS) with support from the United States Agency for International Development through the Global Elections and Political Transitions Award.  -----Follow CEPPS on Twitter. Democracy! The Podcast is hosted by CEPPS and Adrienne Ross. This podcast has been produced by the Consortium for Elections and Political Process Strengthening through the Global Elections and Political Transitions award and is made possible by the generous support of the American people through the United States Agency for International Development.Opinions expressed here are those of the host and the guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of USAID, or the US Government.  This show is produced by Evo Terra and Simpler Media.This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Chartable - https://chartable.com/privacy
Introducing Democracy! The Podcast
Jul 21 2021
Introducing Democracy! The Podcast
In season one, we’ll take an in-depth look at some of the most perplexing challenges facing the vitality of democracy. Surely, you’ve seen the headlines from places like El Salvador, Tunisia, Ethiopia, and Ukraine, and, no doubt, you’ve heard the concerns from US leaders… people like USAID Administrator Samantha Power and President Biden.But what can we do about these global emergencies... these imminent threats to the health and vibrancy of democracy?  Join me on Democracy! The Podcast, as we tour the world to seek a better understanding of how a consortium…  made up of the three leading US development organizations, some with names you may already know well…  the International Foundation for Electoral Systems, the International Republican Institute, and the National Democratic Institute, comes together to work alongside citizens… in the fight to defend democracy. Hear how international teams offer solutions in the face of modern day threats like corruption, disinformation, rising authoritarianism, dictatorships, economic disasters, and failed governments, and learn how you, too, can fight for a more democratic society.You’ll hear from the most experienced experts working in the field of democracy, rights, and governance.  They’ll explain how they help citizens tackle real-life problems, and move their own countries toward a more democratic process for all.  Leading voices from the U-S government and leaders of foreign nations will weigh-in.. Plus, we’ll talk to regular people like you and me who bravely stand up for their fellow citizens in the face of discrimination, punishment, persecution, or are simply excluded from their own nation's political processes every day. You can find Democracy! The Podcast, right here, or on whatever service, or app, or semi-functioning device you might use to listen to your podcasts. We're on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Alexa, Plex... whatever. You know..  the tyranny of choice. Huh, maybe that’s what we should call a future episode of the new season... Jot it down, so you won’t forget: Democracy! The Podcast.   I’m Adrienne Ross, and I can’t wait to share this new show with you!-----CEPPS on Twitter: https://twitter.com/ceppsProduced by Simpler Media.This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Chartable - https://chartable.com/privacy