Safety and Resilience
In Nigeria’s ‘Food Basket,’ Communities Are Working to Break a Cycle of Violence
In Nigeria, the people of Benue State are building a new model of public safety that bring law enforcement together with local communities to find solutions based on mutual trust, partnership, and accountability.
Justice for Ukraine
To Stop Russia’s Next War, We Need Justice for This One
The international courts are pursuing Russian for its crimes in Ukraine, but not for the planning, preparation, and execution of the invasion itself. A new Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine will hold Russia to account.
Countering Hate
The Attack on the San Diego Mosque Is Not an Isolated Incident
In the wake of an attack on a mosque in San Diego, Laleh Ispahani writes on why solidarity is critical to countering hate—and foundational to creating the democracy that we all deserve.
Inside Open Society
Why Catalytic Capital Matters Now More Than Ever
Inclusive economic development and democracy go hand in hand. Soros Economic Development Fund, the impact investment arm of Open Society, deploys catalytic capital to address the challenges facing democracy and open society.
Topics
Latest Voices
Ukrainian Resilience
Defending Civil Society in Ukraine
Russia’s war is about Ukraine’s right to exist. This is why people are so determined to defend what’s ours. In the name of vanquishing Ukraine, he has tied together its various strands in an unbreakable bond.
Civil Society in War Time
Q&A: Standing Up for Ukraine
Viorel Ursu, division director with Open Society’s Europe and Eurasia program, shares reflections on Russia’s assault on Ukraine, the Foundations’ legacy there—and what civil society must do in the nation’s hour of need.
Documentary Films
Q&A: Harnessing the Power of Documentary Storytelling
Orwa Nyrabia, artistic director of the International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam, talks to Open Society about his experiences in Syria as a child and during the war, and its impact on his worldview and creative path
Domestic Workers’ Rights
How Impact Investment in a Digital Platform Can Advance Labor Rights for Domestic Workers in Latin America
Of Latin America’s 18 million domestic workers, most are informally employed. Our Soros Economic Development Fund is investing in a digital platform to legally employ domestic workers and improve labor rights.
Gender-Based Violence
Tackling a “Shadow Pandemic” of Gender-Based Violence
Gender-based violence spiked globally during the pandemic. In the Middle East and North Africa, feminist groups stepped up to aid women under threat.
In Remembrance
Lani Guinier’s Overlooked Education Legacy
The late Lani Guinier thought deeply about the intersection between education and criminal justice. Her leadership at Open Society helped pave the way to colleges across the country offering higher education to the incarcerated.
Latin America
Q&A: A Crisis of the Center Right in Latin America
Analysts have focused on shifts in recent elections in Chile and Argentina. But the broader story in Latin America is the way the rise of the far right has handcuffed the center right, argues Open Society’s Pedro Abramovay.
Roma Rights
Q&A: A Step Toward Justice for Roma Women
In November, the Slovak Republic formally apologized to Roma women for a program of forced sterilizations that stretched out for decades. How a Slovak human rights group helped hold the government accountable.
Participatory Democracy
A Better Way to Govern
2020 saw a huge increase in civic engagement across the country. How to harness that energy to increase the public’s involvement in government decisions shaping their lives.
Investigative Journalism
This Reporter Helped Free 1,600 Yemeni Prisoners
Yemen is one of the most dangerous countries on earth for journalists. Yet against all odds, Wael Sharha conducted an investigation into unlawful detainments. The story of how his work resulted in 1,600 inmates being freed.