The resounding victories of pro-Europe reformers in Serbian presidential and parliamentary elections last year emphatically confirmed citizens’ desire to begin the process of accession to the European Union.  But passage of necessary legislation for EU membership has been obstructed by lingering anti-European factions within the Serbian parliament, and only nine of the 75 items of legislation necessary for accession have been passed.

Acclaimed author John Updike, noted for his novels and short stories, a prolific writer of essays, poetry and book reviews, and a keen observer of the American scene, died on Jan. 27 in Massachusetts. He was 76.

In a 2005 essay written and read for National Public Radio, Updike – a winner of Pulitzer Prizes and a National Book Award – spoke about the natural human tendency toward freedom and democratic government. As a tribute to Updike’s legacy, the Institute shares his words on democracy below.

Linking women across continents, languages and faiths is part of the success story of iKNOW Politics – an online portal through which women in politics network and share information, knowledge and expertise. Launched by NDI in partnership with the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA), the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM), the site is approaching its second anniversary.

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