The Center Did Not Hold in France
What Macron’s loss means for the Fifth Republic.
Multiparty Democracy
Two Parties May Be Better Than Three
The only thing worse than two-party polarization is permanent rule by the center.
Three Political Traditions Explain the French Election
Charles de Gaulle’s two-party system has broken down.
Political Fragmentation Hasn’t Weakened Germany
American alarmism about coalition politics is unfounded.
Political Fragmentation Isn’t the Problem
Political stability is not an end in itself. It are the outcomes that matter.
Fragmented Dutch Parliament Lacks Experience
It’s the price the Netherlands has to pay for giving its voters so much choice.
Netanyahu’s Rivals Must Do Deal with Arab Parties
It’s time to end the taboo.
Spanish Tribulations in Multiparty Democracy
It’s still better than the alternative.
Far Right Comes to Sánchez’ Rescue in Spain
Vox unexpectedly gives the prime minister a majority for his coronavirus recovery plan.
Don’t Count on Republicans to Suddenly See the Light
Why should they be more compromising under Joe Biden than they were under Barack Obama?
Democratic Recriminations Argue for Switch to Multiparty System
Socialists and center-left liberals shouldn’t be in the same political party.
How to Restore American Democracy After Trump
Abolish the Electoral College. Abolish the two parties. Add states. Put Congress first.
America’s Rigid Two-Party System Is What Its Founders Feared
They wanted a system that would encourage bargaining and compromise.
Election Shows Britain Needs Electoral Reform
1.2 percentage points made the difference between a Conservative minority and a comfortable majority.
Swedish Center-Right Adapts to Rise of Far Right
The Moderates break a cordon sanitaire that has failed to rein in the Sweden Democrats.