By Ella Ponthier, Graduate of the UT LBJ School of Public Affairs
Zdravo! My name is Ella, and I am a May 2025 graduate of the LBJ School of Public Affairs. I received my master’s degree in Global Policy Studies with a focus on Central and Eastern European Studies. During my time at the LBJ School, I developed a strong interest in coursework on informal institutions and the state of democracy in post-communist states. Communism in this region ended, seemingly overnight, in the 1990s—but post-communist states did not automatically transform into consolidated democracies. Bosnia and Herzegovina is one of those countries.
Continue reading Transparency and Accountability in Bosnia and Herzegovina →
By Alexander Dominiak, Graduate of the UT International Relations and Global Studies Department
This summer I had the privilege of working with the National Democratic Institute’s office in Skopje, North Macedonia, in a program that has spurred my professional and personal development. I was fortunate enough to be placed with the Integrity Driven Communities project, one of two long-term NDI projects (along with the Parliamentary Support Program), that aims to strengthen anti-corruption measures at the local level. As a recent graduate from the University of Texas at Austin with a degree in International Relations and Global Studies, this experience has allowed me to witness firsthand how international collaboration in good governance procedures occurs at the ground level and how that collaboration has tangible effects on the lives of everyday citizens in the country. It’s inspiring to see the passion with which my colleagues and fellow interns work to strengthen democratic governance in the country.
Continue reading Fighting Corruption at the Local Level in North Macedonia →
By Arion Moore, Undergraduate student in the UT Government Department and Liberal Arts Honors Program
The time I have spent this summer in Skopje, North Macedonia has been an unforgettable experience that I will look back on with fond memories and invaluable lessons throughout the rest of my academic journey. As a Government major in the University of Texas at Austin Liberal Arts Honors program, the work I engaged in with the National Democratic Institute (NDI) aligned perfectly with my academic and professional pursuits and my desire to contribute to the promotion of democracy.
Continue reading Fighting Corruption and Advancing Civic Engagement in North Macedonia →
By Allyson Dean, Graduate student at the UT LBJ School of Public Affairs
As soon as I wrapped up my time in session with the Texas House of Representatives, I flew to Panama City for the start of the Panamanian legislative session and the beginning of my internship with International IDEA. This internship culminates my academic and legislative experience in government capacity and transparency efforts in Panama. I work at the Panamanian office with a brilliant and incredibly kind team who have shown me the ropes of the National Assembly of Panama and shared insights into local hot spots. Luckily, I arrived just before the second of two annual legislative sessions, giving me time to get up to speed.
Continue reading Supporting Election and Governance Reform Efforts in Panama →
The Embedded Scholars team interning at the National Democratic Institute in North Macedonia met with the Minister of Digital Transformation this week as part of their research on anticorruption efforts in the country. The Ministry’s facebook post on the meeting noted that “We had an honest and constructive discussion on a number of important topics. Meetings like these are a great opportunity to exchange experiences and build bridges with future leaders and researchers from around the world.”
Continue reading Skopje Team Shares Research on Anticorruption with Ministry →
A research exchange program at the University of Texas at Austin supporting student work abroad in democratic and constitutional development