"The Ortega-Murillo regime has made it effectively impossible for Nicaragua’s political opposition to contest the dictatorship through democratic elections," writes @JesLudwig, Fellow of Global Policy at the Bush Institute. "In power for 19 years, top leaders have crushed the independence of government institutions, captured the economy, closed civic space at home, and chased dissidents abroad." Learn the importance of democratic transition in Nicaragua: bushcenter.org/publications/…

"The United States and Colombia's new leadership share a mutual interest in reversing negative security trends in Colombia that have had impactful spillover effects on the United States and throughout the Western Hemisphere," writes @JesLudwig, Fellow of Global Policy at the Bush Institute. "To be successful, the United States should support Colombia's government in both restoring security and strengthening its institutions to meet the needs of all Colombians across the country." Learn more about how the U.S. and Colombia should reinforce democratic institutions: bushcenter.org/publications/…

After the devastating twin magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 earthquakes in Venezuela, the Venezuelan people showed up for themselves after receiving little to no help from the government. "How a government responds in a crisis can make or break its legitimacy in the eyes of its citizens, which then affects a country’s overall stability," says @JesLudwig, Fellow of Global Policy at the Bush Institute. Read why Venezuela deserves U.S. support towards a more secure and prosperous future: bushcenter.org/publications/…

"Sai Zaw Thaike has experienced the worst of the notoriously difficult conditions in Burma’s prisons, including torture and solitary confinement," writes @JesLudwig, Fellow of Global Policy at the Bush Institute. "Burma’s military government continues to crack down not only on independent journalism, but also on free expression." Read why an independent press is essential for a democratic Burma: bushcenter.org/publications/…

The pressure to address Cuba's simmering economic and humanitarian crisis is rising. Read more about the need for economic reform in tandem with systemic political reforms from Jessica Ludwig, Fellow of Global Policy at the Bush Institute: bushcenter.org/publications/…

Today, President George W. Bush and Mrs. Laura Bush welcomed Ukrainian First Lady Mrs. Olena @ZelenskaUA to the Bush Center. “We admire your country’s bravery and ingenuity,” said President George W. Bush. “We want the people of Ukraine to know that we continue to stand with America’s ally, Ukraine. You are fighting for freedom, and I believe you will prevail.”  Ukraine’s defense against an unprovoked full-scale invasion from Vladimir Putin has now entered its fifth year. Vladimir Putin is responsible for the gravest security crisis on the European continent since World War II. The Bush Institute continues to believe that now is the time to stop him – and to do so, the U.S. must continue its support of Ukraine.