The FPA’s Must Reads (February 21- February 28)

What’s gone wrong with democracy
The Economist

Since the democratizing wave following the fall of the Soviet Union, the spread of democracy has, in many parts of the world, stagnated receded altogether. Disillusionment with modern democracy is not limited to emerging countries, and is increasingly active in some of the most established democracies. The Economist explores the causes of this phenomenon and what can be done to reverse it.

Yanukovych’s Fall: The Power of Ukraine’s Billionaires
Der Spiegel
By Christian Neef

In a country where 50 individuals control more than 80 percent of the economy, political change is impossible without the oligarchs. Christian Neef reports on how two of Ukraine’s richest men hedged their bets and let Yanukovych fall.

The Plot to Kill Ed Koch
Politico
By Christopher Ingalls Haugh

In the late 1970s congressman and future mayor of New York City Ed Koch tried to put a stop to the expensive military aid the U.S. was supplying to Uruguay. In turn, he found himself in the crosshairs of a international assassination plot.

Follow the blood money: Exposing the secret US banking operations that help fund suicide bombers
Pando Daily
By Adam L. Penenberg

Adam Penenberg reveals how banks like Arab Bank enabled the disturbingly institutionalized finance suicide bombers and their families.

How America’s Soldiers Fight for the Spectrum on the Battlefield
Wired
By Brendan I. Koerner

Control of the electromagnetic spectrum is absolutely critical to maintaining the secure communications and remote controls that can win a war. For years the U.S. has maintained supremacy in this arena, but now it must struggle to keep its edge with new state and non-state competitors.

Blogs:

A Candid Discussion with Nancy Hartevelt Kobrin on Suicide Terrorism by Reza Akhlagi
A Tale of Two Dreams by Nathalie Cely
Somalia’s Sullied Security by Abukar Arman
Are the Tres Amigos Really Amigos? by Richard Basas
Breaking Down Ukraine’s Breakdown by Eugene Steinberg