United KingdomOwnership & classification
Founded: 2001
Ownership
openDemocracy is a UK-based independent global-affairs platform launched in May 2001 (founded c.2000 by Anthony Barnett, David Hayes, Susan Richards and Paul Hilder). It is published by openDemocracy Limited, owned by a non-profit foundation, the openDemocracy Foundation for the Advancement of Global Education. There is no commercial proprietor, party or state owner.
Funding
Funded by grants from charitable foundations - including the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation, Open Society Foundations, the Ford Foundation and the Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust - together with direct reader donations. It carries no state or party subsidy.
Affiliation & stance
Its editorial stance is progressive/left-leaning, with strong investigative and pro-transparency, human-rights and anti-corruption reporting, but it is governed by an independent non-profit foundation rather than any party, government or owner. Because it is a privately governed charitable nonprofit free of party or state control, it is INDEPENDENT (consistent with the site's INDEPENDENT/LEFT guess).
Editorial lean
- Our estimate
- Progressive
- Measured from coverage
- Lean Progressivebased on 55
76/100
Factual
67/100
Objective
55
Articles
55
reports
Factual: How accurately its articles report the facts, judged against primary sources and the cross-outlet consensus. Only articles that cite their sources are counted.
Objective: How neutral the writing is — whether reporting keeps the writer’s own preferences and opinions out of the article.
Recent coverage
Brazil’s Lula Was Overtaken by a Trump-Backed Nepo Baby
Brazil's presidential election results show a close race between incumbent President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Flávio Bolsonaro, son of former president Jair Bolsonaro. Lula, a veteran leftist leader, faces Bolsonaro, a younger candidate associated with the far-right and linked to his father's controversial legacy. The article highlights concerns over foreign influence, particularly referencing U.S. President Donald Trump's support for Jair Bolsonaro during his legal troubles, including allegations of attempting to undermine Lula's candidacy through economic pressure and diplomatic actions. Lula's campaign focused on reconnecting with everyday Brazilians through simple pleasures, while Bolsonaro's approach has shifted toward nationalism and resistance to external interference. Despite initial polls favoring Lula, he narrowly lost the first round, setting up a runoff. The article frames the situation as a struggle between democratic governance and authoritarian tendencies, suggesting potential implications for Brazil's political stability.
Spain PM pins hopes on housing crisis to help win snap election
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced a snap election for 29 November following a parliamentary defeat on housing-related reforms. The proposed measures, intended to improve tenant conditions and curb rising rents, were narrowly rejected by right-wing parties. This outcome signaled that Sánchez's left-wing coalition no longer holds a majority. Sánchez's government has faced multiple challenges, including corruption scandals involving high-profile members of his Socialist Party, legal troubles involving his wife, and difficulties managing a migrant influx in Ceuta. Right-wing parties like the PP and Vox consistently oppose Sánchez's policies, viewing his government as illegitimate due to scandals and perceived reliance on regional nationalist groups. Despite housing being a major concern for Spaniards, opinion polls indicate the Socialists are trailing behind the PP, making the upcoming election a significant test for Sánchez's leadership.
Who really owns Burnham's Labour?
The article discusses the recent Labour Party conference in Liverpool, highlighting the internal dynamics within the party following Andy Burnham's leadership change. It notes a generally positive atmosphere compared to previous conferences, with some members of the left feeling more hopeful due to Burnham's approach. However, there are underlying tensions, particularly regarding policies such as the rejection of nationalization and plans to abolish the pensions triple lock. Economist James Meadway critiques the latter policy, arguing it may not achieve its intended financial goals. The article also mentions the contrast between the lavish corporate-sponsored aspects of the conference and external protests, raising questions about whose interests are prioritized. Additional topics covered include discussions on countering the far-right, developments related to Russia, and events in Brazil.
Can Burnham 'Unbreak' Britain? Rebuilding the Social Contract After Decades of Decay
The article discusses the recent Labour Party conference under Keir Starmer (Burnham), examining his vision for structural reforms in the UK. It references proposals such as repealing Thatcher-era restrictions on public water ownership and addressing long-standing issues in social care. The piece questions whether Burnham's agenda represents meaningful change or simply superficial promises masked by charisma. The discussion takes place within the context of broader political shifts in the UK, with contributors analyzing the potential impact of these policies on rebuilding the social contract after years of decline.
Suits vs. picket lines: Corporations, class politics and Burnham’s Labour conference
The article contrasts the opulent, corporate-sponsored events at the Labour Party Conference with the grassroots activism and protests occurring outside. At a high-profile reception hosted by the New Statesman, Ed Miliband spoke to journalists, politicians, and corporate representatives, highlighting the party's alignment with its values while acknowledging criticism regarding its stance on Palestine. Meanwhile, outside the conference venue in Liverpool, protesters including disabled individuals were arrested for demonstrating in support of Palestine Action, a group banned by the Labour Party. The article highlights the tension between corporate influence and social movements, showcasing various protests related to labor rights, environmental concerns, and political dissent.
RAF Fairford incident highlights UK role in Trump’s failed war in Iran
An incident at RAF Fairford in the UK has raised concerns about the base's involvement in U.S. military operations, particularly in relation to former President Donald Trump's failed campaign against Iran. Initially reported as a potential terror attack linked to Iran, the situation remains unclear. RAF Fairford plays a critical role in supporting U.S. Air Force operations, including the deployment of heavy bombers like the B-1B. This base has become increasingly significant in global military strategy, especially during Trump's efforts to pressure Iran through military action. However, Trump's military campaign against Iran did not achieve its intended goals, with Iran maintaining its military capabilities and resisting external pressures.
Putin’s next target? Russia won’t stop at Ukraine, Labour conference warned
At the Labour Party Conference in Liverpool, MP Johanna Baxter warned that Russia's aggression under Vladimir Putin would not stop at Ukraine, citing ongoing threats to European democracies through sabotage and disinformation. She highlighted the dire situation in Oleshky, a Ukrainian city occupied by Russian forces since 2022, where civilians face starvation and constant bombing. The conference coincided with increased attacks on Kyiv, including strikes on critical infrastructure, which Ukrainian officials attributed to reduced U.S. military aid, particularly the cutoff of Patriot missiles. Panelists emphasized the need for continued international support for Ukraine, with Labour MP Alex Sobel calling for diplomatic measures to isolate Russia. The discussion followed UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham's recent visit to Ukraine, during which classified information on UK-made missile components was shared.
A national care service needs a wealth tax – not a regressive pension reform
Andy Burnham, as the newly appointed Prime Minister, emphasized the need for a National Care Service during his first Labour Party Conference speech, positioning it as a bold move to address the challenges of social care in Britain. This proposal aims to provide universal social care, similar to the NHS, to prevent individuals from selling their homes or depleting savings to cover care costs. However, the implementation faces significant financial and political hurdles, as previous attempts at reform have largely failed. Burnham's plan includes a shift away from the traditional 'triple lock' pension system, which ties pension increases to inflation, average earnings, and a fixed rate. Critics argue that this change could place additional strain on public finances, potentially leading to higher taxes or reduced support for other public services.
Tactical votes and soft Tories: How to keep Reform out of Number 10
The article discusses strategies to prevent the far-right Reform party from gaining power, focusing on tactical voting by 'soft Tories' who are opposed to Reform's tactics. Hope Not Hate's CEO, Nick Lowles, argues that center-right Conservative voters are disillusioned with Reform's chaotic behavior and may vote tactically in by-elections to block Nigel Farage from becoming Prime Minister. However, Lowles warns that Labour cannot solely depend on anti-Reform sentiment and must emphasize its core values and policies benefiting working-class communities. Labour's new campaign message, 'Hope Again,' aims to appeal to a pragmatic and progressive electorate. Meanwhile, Reform faces declining popularity due to scandals involving donations and party financing. The report identifies potential risks of Reform gaining control in 83 councils during upcoming local elections and highlights 199 parliamentary seats where a divided opposition could lead to a far-right victory. The article outlines five voter groups within the anti-Reform coalition but notes that effective tactical voting requires accurate information, which is often lacking due to misleading efforts by political parties.
Around the world, people fight for Palestine as authorities crack down
The article discusses the case of Wael Naouar, a Tunisian Palestinian rights activist who has been on a hunger strike since August 16 while imprisoned in Tunisia. Alongside him, three other activists, Nabil Channoufi, Ghassan Henchiri, and Ghassan Boughdiri, are also participating in the strike. They were arrested for organizing the 2025 Global Sumud Flotilla, a Palestine solidarity event aimed at breaking Israel’s blockade of Gaza by delivering aid. Although the flotilla did not reach Gaza, it drew international attention to the situation of Palestinians under Israeli occupation. Supporters, including human rights organizations and labor unions in Tunisia, have expressed concern over Naouar’s deteriorating health and urged him to end the strike. The article highlights broader global efforts to support Palestinian rights despite increasing repression by governments influenced by U.S. and Israeli pressures.
A radical proposal to solve the housing crisis: Expropriation
The article discusses the housing crisis in Berlin, highlighting rising costs and displacement of residents due to corporate landlord dominance. A grassroots campaign called 'Deutsche Wohnen & Co. Enteignen' (DWE) advocates for the expropriation of large property companies with over 3,000 units, arguing that this would address the crisis by socializing housing and placing it under community control. In 2021, a citizen-led referendum saw 59.1% support for expropriation, yet local governments have delayed implementation. In 2023, DWE shifted strategy to pursue a legally binding second referendum. A commissioned study by the CDU-SPD government confirmed that socialization under Germany’s constitution is legally feasible. The campaign emphasizes not just affordability but also democratic control over housing, advocating for tenant councils to manage properties and prioritize communal well-being.
Iran threats and snipers in Washington: Trump’s dangerous unravelling
The article discusses concerns over President Trump's handling of the U.S.-Iran conflict, highlighting the limitations of his authority due to institutional checks like the Congressional Budget Office (CBO). It notes that the CBO reported the U.S. has spent $38 billion on combat operations in Iran and significantly depleted its stockpile of missile-defense interceptors, which are critical for future conflicts. The article argues that Trump's threats of further attacks on Iran are impractical, as such actions would likely provoke Iranian retaliation against U.S. assets in the region. It also critiques Trump's UN speech where he threatened to 'annihilate' Iran unless it accepts a deal, suggesting this reflects both his frustration and a broader disdain for international institutions like the United Nations.
Las Malvinas vs. the Falklands: Argentina's far right has weaponised the battle over memory
An article discusses how Argentina's far-right government, led by President Javier Milei, has used the 1982 Falklands War as a political tool. Following Argentina's victory over England in the World Cup semi-final, a hotel bedsheet displaying 'Las Malvinas son argentinas' became a national symbol and a political weapon. The display sparked controversy globally, leading FIFA to fine Argentina £10,000 for violating rules against political displays. However, within Argentina, the gesture was celebrated, prompting the Argentine Football Association to declare 15 July as 'Day of the National Football Teams' and plan to give the banner to Malvinas War veterans. The article highlights the historical dispute over the Falkland Islands, noting that while Argentina claims sovereignty, most islanders prefer remaining a British overseas territory. Public opinion in Argentina remains divided, with strong support for Argentina's claim but opposition to military action. The piece also connects this political maneuvering to efforts by figures like Vice President Victoria Villarruel to rehabilitate the legacy of Argentina's military dictatorship.