Ethiopia's ruling Prosperity Party, led by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, secured a landslide victory in legislative polls held on June 1, winning nearly 90% of the contested seats. The party claimed 438 out of 486 seats in the House of Peoples’ Representatives, facing a divided opposition.
Iran's new leadership faces internal divisions over a potential nuclear deal with the US, balancing ideological stances with pragmatic economic needs. Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei's intervention highlights the debate, while figures like Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf push for negotiation and economic relief, potentially shifting focus towards China amidst US sanctions.
Taiwan's Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung marked the 37th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square crackdown by drawing parallels with the Czech "Velvet Revolution." He criticized China's ongoing authoritarian expansion and suppression of its people and overseas dissidents, emphasizing Taiwan's shared history of resisting authoritarianism with the Czech Republic and the need to defend democracy.
Writer Sandro Veronesi discussed literature's freedom and concerns about authoritarianism in the West during an interview at the São Paulo Book Fair. He praised Brazil's institutional response to political events compared to the US, calling Brazil a model of democracy.
The UK government's climate policy is criticized for its authoritarian approach, failing to communicate effectively with the public and instead resorting to coercion, undermining trust and potentially hindering climate action.
Bruce Springsteen's Brooklyn concert was described as an inspiring resistance event against Donald Trump, using music to advocate for democracy and against authoritarianism. The concert featured anti-war and protest songs, with Springsteen directly addressing political issues and urging fans to resist.
Russia has arrested Indigenous rights activists, including prominent figure Daria Egereva, accused of terrorism. Supporters claim the charges are fabricated, highlighting the plight of Indigenous peoples facing climate change, resource exploitation, and state repression.
The 2026 Cannes Film Festival features numerous films exploring wartime experiences and their psychological impact, reflecting contemporary anxieties about rising far-right movements and authoritarianism. Notable films include "Coward," "Visitation," "Moulin," "De Gaulle: Tilting Iron," "A Man of His Time," "Fatherland," and "Minotaur."
Ten US mayors from liberal cities have joined the Pact of Free Cities, a group founded by European mayors to defend democracy and fight authoritarianism. They met in Bratislava to share strategies against what they see as hostile national governments and learn from recent political shifts.
The term 'competitive authoritarianism' describes a system where democratic rules and elections exist, but the ruling party manipulates the electoral field to maintain power. Experts like Steven Levitsky apply this concept to the US under Trump, citing tactics like pardoning January 6 insurgents and targeting critics, drawing parallels with leaders like Orbán and Erdogan.
Amnesty International and dozens of U.S. civil and human rights groups issued a World Cup travel advisory Thursday warning visitors about rising authoritarianism and increasing violence in the United States during Trump's aggressive immigration enforcement. The advisory cites concerns about arbitrary denial of entry, inhumane detention conditions, and invasive phone and social media searches. Tourism officials condemned the warning as a political tactic designed to cause economic harm, while FIFA pointed to its commitment to human rights. The tournament begins June 11 across 11 U.S. stadiums plus venues in Canada and Mexico.
