Robert Person Journalist Profile

Articles

Why Ukraine Must Win

2 weeks ago | journalofdemocracy.org | Serhii Plokhy |Robert Person |Michael A. McFaul

Just weeks before Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping proclaimed a “partnership without limits” between Russia and China. The autocrats reaffirmed the bond this year on the anniversary of the invasion. Now Ukrainian forces have captured two Chinese nationals fighting for Russia and have intelligence indicating there are many more.
Must-Read Essays This March

1 month ago | journalofdemocracy.org | Robert Person |Michael A. McFaul |Jessica Pisano |Thomas Carothers

Don’t miss these must-read essays from the Journal of Democracy, free for a limited time, on the Russia-Ukraine war, artificial intelligence, illiberalism, democracy’s ability to deliver, and more. What Putin Fears MostForget his excuses. Russia’s autocrat doesn’t worry about NATO. What terrifies him is the prospect of a flourishing Ukrainian democracy. By Robert Person and Michael McFaulHow Zelensky Has Changed UkraineVolodymyr Zelensky is far more than a brave wartime leader.
Will There Be a Ceasefire in Ukraine?

1 month ago | journalofdemocracy.org | Robert Person |Michael A. McFaul

On March 11, Ukraine agreed to a thirty-day ceasefire with Russia. But Vladimir Putin is holding out, insisting that his harsh demands — including a ban on Ukraine joining NATO — must first be met. Does Putin really hold all the bargaining chips, or is he weaker than we think? The Journal of Democracy essays below, free for a limited time, assess the war and how best to arrive at a just peace.
Why Russians Are Souring on Putin’s War

2 months ago | journalofdemocracy.org | Robert Person |Michael A. McFaul

Monday, February 24, marks the third anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Hundreds of thousands have been wounded or killed, Ukrainian arsenals are drained, and Western allies are divided. Even so, Putin’s effort to stir support for his war has fallen flat. New evidence shows that the Russian people don’t support the fight. The following Journal of Democracy essays, free for a limited time, review the causes and consequences of Putin’s brutal campaign and strategize ways forward.
Three Must-Reads from the January Issue!

Jan 9, 2025 | journalofdemocracy.org | Robert Person |Steven Levitsky |Daniel Ziblatt |Nomi Claire Lazar

Should Ukraine end the war with Russia at the bargaining table or in the trenches? Can democratic institutions survive when they empower minorities over the majority? Is democracy better suited than authoritarianism to confront climate change? The new issue of the Journal of Democracy provides key insights and answers to some of today’s most pressing questions. Why Ukraine Shouldn’t Negotiate with PutinMany pundits cry for a negotiated settlement to end the war between Russia and Ukraine.
The JoD’s 10 Most-Read Essays

Nov 7, 2024 | journalofdemocracy.org | Robert Person |Michael A. McFaul |Sarah Kreps |Doug Kriner

The Rise of Political Violence in the United StatesIn a deeply polarized United States, ordinary people now consume and espouse once-radical ideas and are primed to commit violence. Rachel KleinfeldWhy India’s Democracy Is DyingUnder Narendra Modi, India is maintaining the trappings of democracy while it increasingly harasses the opposition, attacks minorities, and stifles dissent. It can still reverse course, but the damage is mounting. Maya TudorWhat Putin Fears Most Forget his excuses.
Why NATO Is More Than Democracy’s Best Defense

Apr 6, 2024 | rsn.org | Robert Person |Michael A. McFaul

NATO celebrates the 75th anniversary of its founding on 4 April 1949.
Why NATO Is More Than Democracy’s Best Defense

Apr 5, 2024 | hoover.org | Michael A. McFaul |Robert Person

MyHoover delivers a personalized experience at Hoover.org. In a few easy steps, create an account and receive the most recent analysis from Hoover fellows tailored to your specific policy interests. Watch this video for an overview of MyHoover. Create Account
NATO at 75: Why It’s More Than a Military Alliance

Apr 4, 2024 | journalofdemocracy.org | Robert Person |Michael A. McFaul |Peter Gross |Vladimir Tismaneanu

For 75 years, NATO has played a crucial role in defending democracy across the West. The rise of an aggressive and imperialist Russia, however, has forced NATO to double down on its original mission—security. In the Journal of Democracy’s newest online exclusive, Robert Person and Michael McFaul argue the Atlantic Alliance should be celebrated for more than being the world’s greatest military compact: It’s an engine of democracy’s advance.
Why NATO Is More Than Democracy’s Best Defense

Apr 3, 2024 | journalofdemocracy.org | Robert Person |Michael A. McFaul

On its 75th anniversary, the Atlantic Alliance should be celebrated for being more than the world’s greatest military compact. It’s an engine of democracy’s advance. By Robert Person and Michael McFaulApril 2024NATO celebrates the 75th anniversary of its founding on 4 April 1949.