Democracy Lab Weekly Highlights, April 6, 2012

Srdja Popovic and Robert Helvey explain why toppling dictators is only the first step in the transition toward democracy, and why activists need to plan ahead if they don’t want to see their revolutions hijacked.

Peter Passell argues that emerging market economies have managed to protect themselves from the global economic crisis by embracing innovation.

Reporting from Burma on the dramatic election victory of Aung San Suu Kyi and her National League for Democracy, Christian Caryl looks at the obstacles facing the country’s pro-democracy activists as they move into parliament. Challenge number one: Dealing with the numerically superior forces of the pro-government party and the military.

Mohamed El Dahshan provides a snapshot of the simmering conflict between Tunisia’s ultraconservative Islamists and secular moderates one year after the non-violent revolution that overthrew longtime secular president Zine El Abidine Ben Ali.

This week’s recommended reads:

FP’s own Marc Lynch offers a sharp take on the Muslim Brotherhood’s decision to run its own candidate in the coming presidential election in Egypt.

Arch Puddington of Freedom House argues that China is one the of the world’s worst human rights offenders.

Writing for Jadaliyya, Rosie Bsheer examines efforts by the powers-that-be in Saudi Arabia to tamp down stirrings of change.

Mohsin Khan of the Peterson Institute for International Economics looks at the dismal state of Egypt’s economy.

Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty journalist Nenad Pejic reminisces about his quixotic attempt to stop the war in Bosnia-Herzegovina.