Publications by Melissa Li

• Discussion paper 06 Oct 2026

  MAGA Goes Global

  By Melissa Li
  MAGA's actions abroad often contradict what it claims to stand for. This paper asks whether pro-democracy actors should exploit those contradictions, and why doing so may backfire.…
• Study 18 Mar 2026

  Silence Is Not Neutral

  By Melissa Li
  The African continent has emerged as a global epicenter of urban protest movements, a trend which presents a strategic dilemma for international actors. How can private foundations and NGOs best support democratic mobilization?…
• Study 24 Jan 2024

  How Democracy Promoters Can Respond to Populist Protests

  By Melissa Li
  When populist protest movements gain traction, external democracy backers usually look to contain the groups organizing the protests. But the Brazilian experience suggests that there are other approaches worth considering.…