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Jan-Werner Mueller

Jan-Werner Mueller

56 commentaries

Jan-Werner Mueller, Professor of Politics at Princeton University, is the author, most recently, of Democracy Rules (Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2021; Allen Lane, 2021).

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  1. The Zombification of Political Parties
    mueller51_ David McNewGetty Images_gop trump David McNew/Getty Images

    The Zombification of Political Parties

    Mar 15, 2024 Jan-Werner Mueller argues that Donald Trump’s capture of the GOP’s organizational machinery recalls authoritarian tactics elsewhere.

  2. The Case for Banning Anti-Democratic Candidates
    mueller50_ Martin Schuttpicture alliance via Getty Images_hocke protest Martin Schutt/picture alliance via Getty Images

    The Case for Banning Anti-Democratic Candidates

    Feb 1, 2024 Jan-Werner Mueller explains how, and under what conditions, disqualifying individuals from elections is justified.

  3. Liberalism’s Forever Crisis
    op_mueller5_Brett CarlsenGetty Images_liberalism Brett Carlsen/Getty Images

    Liberalism’s Forever Crisis

    Jan 5, 2024 Jan-Werner Mueller argues that some recent critiques misunderstand the liberal project and its objectives.

  4. Is Europe Broken?
    mueller_JOHN THYSPOOLAFP via Getty Images John Thys/Pool/AFP via Getty Images

    Is Europe Broken?

    Dec 20, 2023 Jan-Werner Mueller considers the implications of the European Union's latest failure to enforce its rules against Hungary.

  5. When Election Losers Pretend to Be Winners
    mueller48_Omar MarquesGetty Images_duda Omar Marques/Getty Images

    When Election Losers Pretend to Be Winners

    Dec 13, 2023 Jan-Werner Mueller warns that outgoing governments, like that in Poland, are adopting subtler means to avoid handing over power.

  1. tharoor190_R. SATISH BABUAFP via Getty Images_india elections R. SATISH BABU/AFP via Getty Images

    Might Modi Lose?

    Shashi Tharoor predicts that the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party will perform worse than expected in India’s general election.
  2. sierakowski108_Steffen KuglerBundesregierung via Getty Images_tuskscholzmacron Steffen Kugler/Bundesregierung via Getty Images

    The European Union’s New Triumvirate

    Sławomir Sierakowski sees France, Germany, and Poland setting a new strategic course for the bloc.
  3. bardhan12_ TAUSEEF MUSTAFAAFP via Getty Images_bjp TAUSEEF MUSTAFA/AFP via Getty Images

    The Popular Decimation of India’s Democracy

    Pranab Bardhan examines the shrewd tactics and false narratives that underpin broad support for Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
  4. posner32_Getty Images_contract Getty Images

    Why Non-Compete Clauses Should Be Banned

    Eric Posner explains why the arguments in favor of legally binding employees to firms ultimately fall flat.
  5. op_drchowdhury1_ IDREES MOHAMMEDAFP via Getty Images_modiindiaelection Idrees Mohammed/AFP via Getty Images

    India’s Despotic Election

    Debasish Roy Chowdhury

    For the past decade, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been eroding civil liberties and minority rights, curtailing dissent, undermining democratic institutions, and building a cult of personality. The ongoing national election must be understood in this context.

    explains how Prime Minister Narendra Modi has eroded democratic safeguards and stacked the deck in his favor.
  6. klee19_Gerhard JorenLightRocket via Getty Images_hyundaimanufacturing Gerhard Joren/LightRocket via Getty Images

    What Fiscally Sound Industrial Policy Can Do

    Keun Lee highlights three tools that can support domestic-market growth and development without breaking the bank.
  7. boskin94_Elijah NouvelageGetty Images_voting ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS/AFP via Getty Images

    Why Voters Are Unhappy About the Biden Economy

    Michael J. Boskin explains why Americans do not share the White House’s rosy assessment of its economic track record.
  8. ginsberg1_Tayfun CoskunAnadolu Agency via Getty Images_january6journalistviolence Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

    Our Freedoms Depend on Press Freedom

    Jodie Ginsberg warns that the increased targeting of journalists and the media is a key indicator of democratic erosion.
  9. balasegaram2_JOHN WESSELSAFP via Getty Images_africaflood John Wessels/AFP via Getty Images

    Climate Change Is a Worse Health Threat Than We Think

    Manica Balasegaram warns that the world is underestimating the extent to which global warming will fuel antimicrobial resistance.

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