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Jessica Ludwig

@jesludwig.bsky.social

135 followers 182 following 38 posts

Fellow, Global Policy at the George W. Bush Institute. Previously at the National Endowment for Democracy's International Forum for Democratic Studies. Advancing freedom and democracy globally while confronting authoritarian regimes.

Posts Replies Media

Jessica Ludwig @jesludwig.bsky.social · 09/07/2026

Photojournalist Sai Zaw Thaike @myanmar-now.bsky.social is serving a 20-year prison sentence in Burma - one of the harshest handed to independent journalists since the military junta cracked down after its 2021 coup. Highlighting his courage in my latest piece: www.bushcenter.org/publications...

Struggle for Freedom: Photojournalist Sai Zaw Thaike endures harsh prison sentence from Burma’s military junta | George W. Bush Presidential Center

Jessica Ludwig @jesludwig.bsky.social · 22/05/2026

China, Russia, Iran, and other authoritarian regimes are intensifying crackdowns on citizens access to the open internet. My latest, on why the U.S. should scale up support for global internet freedom: www.bushcenter.org/publications...

Global internet freedom needs a champion. The United States should step up and lead | George W. Bush Presidential Center

Jessica Ludwig @jesludwig.bsky.social · 30/04/2026

Strong partnerships with democratic counterparts have been crucial to the U.S. military’s ability to succeed in the Western Hemisphere amid crossborder security challenges. My latest on how U.S. military diplomacy contributes to nat security and regional stability: www.bushcenter.org/publications...

How U.S. military partnerships strengthen security in the Western Hemisphere | George W. Bush Presidential Center

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Jessica Ludwig @jesludwig.bsky.social · 10/04/2026

To counter transnational organized crime in the Western Hemisphere requires more than a securitized approach. Cooperation among law enforcement agencies, support for civil society, and reforms to strengthen accountability and rule of law are also needed. My latest: www.bushcenter.org/publications...

How U.S. partnerships can effectively counter transnational organized crime in the Western Hemisphere | George W. Bush Presidential Center

A Journal Of Ideas From The Bush Institute

Jessica Ludwig @jesludwig.bsky.social · 31/03/2026

Regardless of unilateral economic policy changes announced by Havana, Cuba’s prospects for economic reform will remain severely hindered unless systematic political reforms are also introduced. My latest for the George W. Bush Institute: www.bushcenter.org/publications...

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Jessica Ludwig @jesludwig.bsky.social · 27/02/2026

Dismantling the transnational criminal networks that plague #Mexico and bringing them to justice will take a major commitment from Mexican authorities. The U.S. should continue to support Mexico's fight against the cartels and pursue cartel branches inside the U.S. www.bushcenter.org/publications...

The complexities of combatting Mexico’s cartels | George W. Bush Presidential Center

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Jessica Ludwig @jesludwig.bsky.social · 26/02/2026

Cuba’s future stability and Western Hemispheric security will depend on comprehensive structural changes to Cuba’s economic, security, and political systems. The U.S. should make restoring freedom and dignity to the Cuban people its goal in negotiations w/ Havana. www.bushcenter.org/publications...

Pressure on Havana is mounting: What comes next for Cuba matters | George W. Bush Presidential Center

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Jessica Ludwig @jesludwig.bsky.social · 12/02/2026

The U.S.-led peace plan for Armenia and Azerbaijan centers on proposed economic incentives that are at risk as long as #Azerbaijan continues its crackdown on journalists and civil society leaders who called for accountability for rampant corruption in the country. www.bushcenter.org/publications...

Peace plan with Armenia is at risk as long as Azerbaijan jails political prisoners | George W. Bush Presidential Center

Reposted by Jessica Ludwig

Batumelebi&Netgazeti @netgazeti.org · 21/01/2026

🔴"Supporting Georgia’s democratic institutions is the best way bolster the country’s sovereignty against Russian, Chinese, and Iranian nefarious influence, which the Georgian Dream-led government has welcomed," - @jesludwig.bsky.social. 📌 bushcenter.org/publications... #GeorgiaProtests #FreeMzia

Jessica Ludwig @jesludwig.bsky.social · 21/01/2026

This month marks the one-year anniversary of Mzia Amaglobeli’s arrest and imprisonment amid a crackdown on independent media and civil society by Georgia's authorities. Learn more about the founder of @netgazeti.org and her #StruggleforFreedom in Georgia: www.bushcenter.org/publications...

From prison, journalist Mzia Amaglobeli defends fellow Georgians’ dreams | George W. Bush Presidential Center

Jessica Ludwig @jesludwig.bsky.social · 20/01/2026

Venezuela's interim authorities said they would release political prisoners but appear unwilling or incapable of following through. Seeking their freedom should be a top U.S. priority and is necessary to set the country on the path toward a democratic transition. www.bushcenter.org/publications...

Seeking freedom for Venezuela’s political prisoners | George W. Bush Presidential Center

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Jessica Ludwig @jesludwig.bsky.social · 19/12/2025

Let's face it. Putin has strong disincentives against ending the war in Ukraine. Sending Russian soldiers home could pose challenges to Putin’s narrative about the war and reveal how much it has truly cost Russian society. My latest for the George W. Bush Institute www.bushcenter.org/publications...

The reason Putin is afraid to end Russia’s war in Ukraine | George W. Bush Presidential Center

Reposted by Jessica Ludwig

Committee to Protect Journalists @pressfreedom.bsky.social · 08/12/2025

Publisher Jimmy Lai is spending his 5th birthday in prison, as his worsening health and treatment behind bars have raised serious concerns that the 78-year-old may die in prison. CPJ urgently calls on the government to drop all charges against Lai and release him immediately. 📷: AP/Louise Delmotte

Jessica Ludwig @jesludwig.bsky.social · 05/12/2025

Honduras' Nov. 30 presidential election is still too close to call days later but remains a tight race between two conservative candidates. What's clear is that Hondurans have rebuked President Xiomara Castro's leftist Libre Party. My explainer: www.bushcenter.org/publications...

Honduran voters rebuke incumbent in 2025 presidential elections | George W. Bush Presidential Center

Jessica Ludwig @jesludwig.bsky.social · 25/11/2025

Chinese citizen journalist Zhang Zhan is still paying the price for shining a light on the COVID-19 outbreak and lockdown in Wuhan more than 5 years later. The U.S. should ask China's leadership about her treatment. Read about her #StruggleForFreedom: www.bushcenter.org/publications...

The Struggle for Freedom: Beijing’s revolving prison doors silence Chinese citizen journalist and lawyer Zhang Zhan – to our peril | George W. Bush Presidential Center

Jessica Ludwig @jesludwig.bsky.social · 13/11/2025

Ecuadorians will vote in a constitutional referendum this weekend that could open the door for foreign militaries to operate in the country again. A potential opportunity for the US to combat drug trafficking in the Pacific, but one it should approach cautiously. www.bushcenter.org/publications...

Ecuador’s Constitutional Referendum may grant the U.S. a security foothold but could create potential governance challenges | George W. Bush Presidential Center

Jessica Ludwig @jesludwig.bsky.social · 29/10/2025

Today's elections in Tanzania will most assuredly not be free nor fair while #TunduLissu faces trial for treason and other major opposition leaders have been blocked from running. My latest for the George W. Bush Presidential Center: www.bushcenter.org/publications...

The Struggle for Freedom: Tanzanian opposition leader Lissu faces treason charges after calling for election reform | George W. Bush Presidential Center

Jessica Ludwig @jesludwig.bsky.social · 27/10/2025

The Taliban's ongoing attempts to restrict internet access in Afghanistan may no longer be in the headlines, but the world cannot afford to overlook that the Taliban appear to be following their 1990s blueprint. My latest w/ Natalie Gonnella-Platts @thediplomat.com thediplomat.com/2025/10/rest...

thediplomat.com

Restricting Internet Access Is the Taliban’s Latest Ploy to Cut off Afghanistan’s Most Vulnerable

Human suffering and unchallenged radicalization open the door for a security crisis of cataclysmic reach.

Jessica Ludwig @jesludwig.bsky.social · 20/10/2025

This Thur. 10/23 I'm looking forward to speaking on the panel "Recovering Soft Power in Hard (Power) Times" as part of @depauluniversity.bsky.social Grace School of Applied Diplomacy online conference alongside @scwinkler.bsky.social and Nicholas J. Cull. RSVP: depaul.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_...

Jessica Ludwig @jesludwig.bsky.social · 17/09/2025

Last week, Belarusian blogger Ihar Losik @rferl.org.web.brid.gy was freed after 5 years of unjust detention. There are still 10 USAGM journalists held by authoritarian regimes in Azerbaijan, Burma, Iran, Russia and Vietnam #StruggleforFreedom www.bushcenter.org/publications...

Struggle for Freedom update: Radio Free Liberty/Radio Europe’s Losik freed after five years in Belarus jail | George W. Bush Presidential Center

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Jessica Ludwig @jesludwig.bsky.social · 02/07/2025

Today marks four years of arbitrary detention for Javier Tarazona after denouncing human rights abuses in Venezuela's border states where organized crime and irregular armed groups are active. Read his story in our #StruggleforFreedom series #LiberenaJavierTarazona www.bushcenter.org/publications...

The Struggle for Freedom: Imprisoned educator Javier Tarazona dreams of dignity for all Venezuelans | George W. Bush Presidential Center

Jessica Ludwig @jesludwig.bsky.social · 04/06/2025

We must remain clear-eyed about the global security risks posed by the reality on the ground in Afghanistan, where ordinary Afghans are daily subjected to tyranny of the Taliban's corruption, extremism & misogyny. My latest w/ colleague Natalie Gonnella-Platts nationalinterest.org/feature/dist...

nationalinterest.org

Distinguishing Friend from Foe in Afghanistan

We must acknowledge that the Taliban’s extremism, corruption, and brutality pose a global security threat with far-reaching implications.

Jessica Ludwig @jesludwig.bsky.social · 14/05/2025

As long as Afghanistan remains under Taliban control, it will never be a safe place. Most especially for Afghan women, but also for Afghans who believed in a different future for their country and worked alongside the US and NATO allies. www.bushcenter.org/publications...

We must fight for our Afghan allies | George W. Bush Presidential Center

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Jessica Ludwig @jesludwig.bsky.social · 30/04/2025

If Congress and the administration are serious about holding Cuba's dictatorship to account for regional instability, State Dept. funds for Cuban civil society and freedom advocates should be restored, esp. as Havana rearrests #FelixNavarro and #JoseDanielFerrer www.miamiherald.com/opinion/op-e...

miamiherald.com

U.S. program paused under Trump helped independent voices tell the truth in Cuba | Opinion

Pausing funds for Cuban democracy activists risks strengthening the island’s dictatorship | Opinion

Jessica Ludwig @jesludwig.bsky.social · 23/04/2025

Russia's claim to be defending religious freedom in Ukraine couldn't be further from the truth. Ukrainian pastors and faith leaders in occupied territories have been systematically targeted by Russian soldiers. Read on about one pastor's Struggle for Freedom: www.bushcenter.org/publications...

Faith in the face of Russian repression: Ukrainian pastor Mykhailo Brytsyn | George W. Bush Presidential Center

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Jessica Ludwig @jesludwig.bsky.social · 10/04/2025

The Taliban continue to provide safe haven to terrorists, steal from the Afghan people, and impose severe restrictions on women and girls in defiance of international commitments. We should hold the Taliban accountable, not engage them, writes my colleague. thediplomat.com/2025/04/amer...

thediplomat.com

American Leaders Should Hold the Taliban Accountable, Not Engage With Them

It’s past time for the U.S. and the international community to use the tools at their disposal – such as expanding targeted sanctions – to hold the Taliban to account.

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Jessica Ludwig @jesludwig.bsky.social · 21/03/2025

For decades, VOA, RFE/RL, RFA, and the other US-funded international media have been a light in some of the world's darkest places. My colleagues recount how US-supported int'l media inspired hope, fueled freedom, and cultivated allies in societies under repression www.bushcenter.org/publications...

President George W. Bush speaks at a celebration for the 60th anniversary for the Voice of America Feb. 25, 2002.

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Jessica Ludwig @jesludwig.bsky.social · 06/03/2025

Hong Kong's authorities are dragging out legal proceedings against businessman and freedom advocate Jimmy Lai to send a message on behalf of Beijing that democratic activism in Hong Kong will not be tolerated. #FreeJimmyLai #StruggleforFreedom update www.bushcenter.org/publications...

Struggle for Freedom UPDATE: Jimmy Lai’s ongoing show trial in Hong Kong | George W. Bush Presidential Center

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Jessica Ludwig @jesludwig.bsky.social · 26/02/2025

"It’s no coincidence that the world’s most volatile global hot spots are nondemocratic." The National Endowment for Democracy invests in those around the world who fight for the same innate desire for freedom that Americans cherish and our adversaries fear. www.nationalreview.com/2025/02/amer...

nationalreview.com

America’s Enemies Are Rooting for the Death of the National Endowment for Democracy | National Review

Some of the loudest voices applauding NED’s struggles are those who wish to see freedom fail. That should tell us everything we need to know.

Jessica Ludwig @jesludwig.bsky.social · 21/02/2025

🚨 A dire situation for 5 members of Venezuela's democratic opposition staff who have sought refuge in #Argentina's embassy in Caracas (protected by #Brazil) and are under siege by the Maduro regime. Three days without power and supply deliveries severely restricted. www.forum2000.cz/en/news/arge...

Argentine Embassy in Caracas Left Without Power – Asylum Seekers in Dange

Forum 2000 stands in deep concern over the worsening humanitarian and diplomatic crisis unfolding at the Argentine Embassy in Caracas, Venezuela. We have been monitoring alarming reports from local CS...

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Jessica Ludwig @jesludwig.bsky.social · 19/02/2025

Key facts: "This is not a war that Ukraine sought but is the result of having been invaded by Russia...the dictator in this war is Putin, who has been in power 2.5 decades, not Zelensky, who was democratically elected president of his country in 2019." foreignpolicy.com/2025/02/19/t...

foreignpolicy.com

Why Trump Is Wrong About Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine

Setting the record straight on who started the war.

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Jessica Ludwig @jesludwig.bsky.social · 10/02/2025

Yesterday, Feb. 9 marked one year since Rocio San Miguel, a lawyer and expert on Venezuela's military and security services, was arbitrarily arrested by the Maduro regime. She is still being held in inhumane conditions in El Helicoide. #StruggleforFreedom www.bushcenter.org/publications...

The Struggle for Freedom: Venezuela imprisons Rocío San Miguel, a staunch advocate for peaceful democratic transition | George W. Bush Presidential Center

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Jessica Ludwig @jesludwig.bsky.social · 27/01/2025

Taliban leadership are traveling much wider and farther beyond Afghanistan than you might think. My colleagues and I have been tracking the data in our new Taliban Travel Tracker by the George W. Bush Institute to shed light on who is traveling where www.bushcenter.org/publications...

Taliban Travel Tracker | George W. Bush Presidential Center

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Jessica Ludwig @jesludwig.bsky.social · 14/01/2025

The US should lead on strengthening democracy and the rule of law in the Western Hemisphere because we can't secure our borders without combating corruption, authoritarianism, and organized crime in the region. My latest, with Bush Institute colleague Laura Collins www.bushcenter.org/publications...

Tackling Migration | George W. Bush Presidential Center

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Jessica Ludwig @jesludwig.bsky.social · 20/12/2024

Egyptian human rights defender Marwa Arafa has spent 4+ years in pretrial detention for aiding political prisoners & their families. In prison, Arafa faces the same suffering she worked to alleviate, @ellenbork.bsky.social for the Bush Institute #StruggleforFreedom www.bushcenter.org/publications...

Marwa Arafa: An Egyptian jailed for helping political prisoners and their families survive | George W. Bush Presidential Center

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Jessica Ludwig @jesludwig.bsky.social · 20/12/2024

While Mexico's so-called judicial reform has received much attention, a recent vote by its Senate to shut down INAI and several other independent regulatory bodies poses yet another challenge to the integrity and transparency of Mexico's democracy www.bushcenter.org/publications...

Access to information is dealt a blow in Mexico | George W. Bush Presidential Center

Jessica Ludwig @jesludwig.bsky.social · 19/12/2024

Autocratic regimes target women because they are community change agents. But Iranian human rights activist Narges Mohammadi remains firm in her struggle for #WomenLifeFreedom in Iran despite soon facing a return to prison following a 21 day medical furlough: www.bushcenter.org/publications...

The Struggle for Freedom UPDATE: Iranian Nobel Peace Prize winner granted 21 days medical leave from Evin Prison | George W. Bush Presidential Center

Jessica Ludwig @jesludwig.bsky.social · 10/12/2024

"Ukraine is the place where the battle between democracy and authoritarianism is unfolding, and how we respond will have implications for Taiwan and other hotspots around the world," write my colleagues David Kramer and Igor Khrestin with US policy recs on Ukraine www.bushcenter.org/publications...

Getting Ukraine Right | George W. Bush Presidential Center

Jessica Ludwig @jesludwig.bsky.social · 04/12/2024

Support for democracy and human rights around the world is a strategic priority, inextricably linked to the pursuit of America’s national interests writes Ellen Bork for the George W. Bush Institute www.bushcenter.org/publications...

America must win the struggle between democracy and authoritarianism | George W. Bush Presidential Center