Global Scans · Democracy · Weekly Summary

WHAT'S NEXT?: Society is expressing its discontent with current democratic processes that leave the elites struggling to convince their voters of their good intentions and competencies. Read on to see how democracy is offering both great opportunities and risks while this period of volatility shakes out.

• [New] The US administration is worried about disrupting global oil markets and raising fuel prices in an election year: higher inflation in the US might increase the chances of a victory for Donald Trump. Centre for European Reform
• [New] Japanese 30-year sovereign bonds are experiencing a sharp sell-off due to concerns that the upcoming upper house election in July will lead to increased fiscal spending, especially considering the US's threat to impose a 25% tariff on Japanese exports. Len Watson @GIABHS.com Financial news NOT recommendatio
• [New] As Texas mourns over 100 flood victims, U.S. Senate Democrats demand a probe into National Weather Service staffing cuts under Trump's administration, raising concerns about preparedness ahead of massive flood threats across five states. teleSURenglish
• [New] 76% of Americans say political polarization poses a serious threat to democracy, including 89% of Democrats, 80% of independents and 57% of Republicans. DNyuz
• [New] Political parties in Uganda are raising concerns over unsustainable funding mechanisms, with experts and party leaders warning that current strategies are weakening political institutions and choking internal democracy. allAfrica.com
• [New] Iran's parliament has voted to criminalize the use of Elon Musk's Starlink service, citing national security threats in the wake of U.S. and Israeli strikes. Middle East Space Monitor by AzurX
• [New] The German state can actively defend itself against internal threats to its democratic principles and constitutional order, including through the banning of political parties. CNN
• [New] China has become a major threat to the US and also confirmed, in an answer to a question from a senator, that China is trying to influence US elections. Reference.org Encyclopedia and Reference Library
• [New] The Democratic Republic of Germany will annex the Federal Republic of Germany. alternatehistory.com
• [New] Adding the major Asia-Pacific democracies of Japan, South Korea, and Australia will help keep the US interested and integrated with Europe. Indo-Pacific Insight
• [New] The peak in the world's oil use is expected by the end of this decade, although according to Quong's analysis, Donald Trump's re-election has pushed that date out by two years, as the US administration wound back significant government support and investments in electric transport. Australian Broadcasting Corporation
• [New] For Pi Network, which has cultivated a massive global community of over 60 million pioneers, domain names represent an opportunity to democratize access to Web3 development and decentralized services. Blogger
• [New] The Democrats of the Joint Economic Committee created an estimate based on CBO data, breaking down numbers by state and asserting that 17 million people across the U.S. would lose their health insurance by 2034 due to the budget bill and other policies of the Trump administration. Snopes
• [New] An organization representing training providers across Wales is calling on all political parties and 2026 Senedd election candidates to commit to doubling investment in apprenticeships to support 200,000 apprentices over the next Senedd term. Business News Wales
• [New] Europe, often perceived as a bastion of liberal democracy and stability, is grappling with an insidious internal threat: a significant surge in politically motivated crimes, particularly fueled by right-wing radicalization. Global Annal
• While international norms allow some censorship during wartime, some of Ukraine's new media and cultural policies raise risks not only for its democracy, but for its security as well. Journal of Democracy
• The Liutyi program could become a blueprint for how Europe supports democracies under threat without direct military intervention. The Asia Live
• The proliferation of arms in Iraq is a direct threat to voters, the electoral commission, and candidates; during election season, it is used as a tool of political pressure. The Washington Institute
• In addition to improving voter services, Elections Canada recognizes the importance of working closely with security partners to protect the electoral process from threats, including foreign interference. Elections Canada
• The erosion of trust in information sources, fueled by the proliferation of fake news, poses a threat to democratic processes, public health, and economic stability worldwide. DISA
• Upcoming national elections across Europe will test the influence of far-right parties, determining whether the EU strengthens integration or accelerates fragmentation. IT & Life Hacks BlogIdeas for learning and practicin
• Australia has an opportunity to become the supplier of choice for rare earths to democratic nations, stated a government policy paper cited in the case documents. Discovery Alert

Last updated: 13 July 2025