In the Liptako-Gourma Region, where Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger meet, citizens face cross-border security challenges from violent extremist organizations, organized crime networks and anti-state armed groups. Understanding the urgent need for a regional architecture to tackle security threats that rarely stay within the borders of one country, defense-focused Burkinabe, Malian and Nigerien civil society organization (CSO) activists and members of parliament (MPs) came together in Bamako to strategize from February 26 to 28.

The 1989 revolutions that delivered Central and Eastern Europe from Soviet domination are nearly 30 years in the past. In four countries – the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, and Slovakia – democratic and economic transitions proceeded quickly and were rewarded by European Union and NATO membership some 15 years ago. Most citizens prospered in the “New Europe,” but some did not. The political wave of populism now sweeping most of Europe in the wake of the financial and refugee crises has profoundly changed politics in Central Europe.

As Mexico prepares for general elections in July, NDI and Mexico’s National Electoral Institute (INE) – the independent government body responsible for organizing Mexico’s federal elections – co-organized a conference in Mexico City to discuss ways to counter the influence of disinformation. Tech companies, political leaders, civic activists, media associations and academics came together on March 22 to discuss ways to improve the quality of the national conversation.

Iraqi women are leading the charge to find new avenues for open and honest dialogue on national reconciliation. In the wake of the devastation left behind by the Islamic State of Iraq Syria (ISIS), and at a time of weak social cohesion and trust deficits, women are taking on the challenge to build bridges across communities to advance a democratic, economically prosperous and peaceful Iraq.

Gang violence, organized crime and corruption have long plagued Central America’s Northern Triangle (Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador), undermining democratic reforms and hampering public safety and prosperity. Because these challenges are so widespread, an effective response must involve every level of government, from city councils to national legislatures. Governments, local police and concerned citizens groups recognize the need for international collaboration to develop effective solutions.