What form of government do we have in America now? Some scholars say it is no longer liberal democracy, but "competitive authoritarianism." NPR's Frank Langfitt explains the term and its origin.

Iranian director Jafar Panahi has been arrested repeatedly in his home country. His shockingly funny new revenge thriller was informed by the stories of people he met in prison.

Politicians, lawyers and journalists who left behind autocratic systems in Europe, Asia and Latin America see the Trump administration employing similar methods.

Most — but not all — political scientists are deeply troubled by the president's attempts to expand executive power, according to a national survey.

NPR's Scott Simon recalls the years of the Cold War, its aftermath and how hopes for a freer world seem to have dimmed.