Democracy Lab Weekly Brief, December 9, 2013

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Min Zin recalls his conversation with Nelson Mandela — and what Burma can learn from it.

Asma Ghribi reports on the Tunisian government’s publication of a journalist blacklist and how it could threaten the country’s transition.

Askold Krushelnycky looks at the new generation behind Ukraine’s current pro-Europe protests. Anna Nemtsova speaks with Ukrainians who have lost faith in the president’s promises.

Christian Caryl analyzes the indignant reaction to Pope Francis’s recent comments on capitalism.

Mohamed Eljarh examines the murder of an American schoolteacher in Benghazi and cautions the West on withdrawing its support from Libya.

Isobel Coleman offers a critical assessment of the new constitution drafted by Egypt’s military government — and finds some worrying flaws. (In the photo above, female members of the Muslim Brotherhood appear in court after they were arrested during an Islamist protest.)

And now for this week’s recommended reads:

A poll by the International Republican Institute finds that Tunisians are dissatisfied with their government but still have faith in the promise of democracy. The Center for the Study of Islam and Democracy convenes experts, politicians, and government officials to debate the successes and challenges of Tunisia’s transition.

The European Stability Initiative assesses Moldova’s shaky first steps toward association with the European Union in light of Ukraine’s recent backtracking on the issue.

Writing for the National Bureau of Asian Research, Moe Thuzar looks at Burma’s foreign policy as the country prepares to assume the ASEAN chair next year.

In a report for the Atlantic Council, Danya Greenfield argues that the international community must engage with Yemen and press the government to deliver economic growth.

At Open Democracy, Yalla Matame examines the political tactic of "flashpoints" and how activists can use them to galvanize protest movements.

In Foreign Policy, John Campbell takes issue with the myth of Nelson Mandela’s flawless victory over apartheid, arguing that democracy requires constant work and that South Africa — like so many countries — still has a long way to go.

New York Times correspondent Thomas Fuller assesses Thailand’s recent protests as a rebellion against deep-seated socio-economic divisions.

Writing for Al Arabiya, Claudette Yazbek explains why preventative approaches to the threat of extremism mean that education has become a security issue.