Framing ethical perspectives
Democracy is a form of government in which political control is given to the people, whether directly or through the election of governing officials. Currently, large numbers of people have lost faith in this form of government and some elected officials have been working to dismantle democratic institutions. Our programs, events, and experts strive to better understand this development.
Featured Democracy Resources
State of global democracy, U.S. global engagement, and more
FEB 6, 2026 • Article
Trump and the Gaslighting of American Realism
APR 9, 2026 • Article
Realism vs. Pragmatism: Understanding America’s New Rhetorical Landscape
Amid Trump's fiery rhetoric and debates over "realism," Professor Jason Ralph writes that "pragmatism" may offer a better alternative for the American public.
SEP 11, 2025 • Video
Post-Liberal American Power
In the first event in our "Values & Interests" series, an expert panel examines the question: Has Trump 2.0 ushered in an era of post-liberal American power?
Related Initiatives
Ethics & International Affairs Journal
Ethics & International Affairs is the quarterly journal of Carnegie Council. It aims to close the gap between the theory and practice of ethics.
Explore Our Democracy Resources
MAR 18, 2020 • Podcast
The Coronavirus Pandemic & International Relations, with Nikolas Gvosdev
With the COVID-19 pandemic disrupting all aspects of daily life around the world, what will be the effect on international relations? Will it increase cooperation ...
MAR 10, 2020 • Podcast
The U.S.-Taliban Agreement & the Future of Afghanistan, with Jonathan Cristol
On February 29, the United States and the Taliban reached an agreement that could potentially end the longest-running war in American history. Jonathan Cristol, author of "...
MAR 5, 2020 • Article
Super Tuesday and the Clash of Foreign Policy Narratives
Democratic voters are now presented with a clear choice between two different foreign policy narratives and ethical considerations when it comes to U.S. engagement ...
MAR 4, 2020 • Podcast
Biden, Sanders, & Foreign Policy after Super Tuesday, with Nikolas Gvosdev
Senior Fellow Nikolas Gvosdev looks at the foreign policy discussions after Super Tuesday, with only Joe Biden and Bernie Sanders left with realistic chances at ...
FEB 11, 2020 • Article
Gallagher's Proposal & Emerging Narratives
Rep. Michael Gallagher (R-WI) recently penned a "Wall Street Journal" op-ed laying out a new paradigm for U.S. foreign policy, as it relates to ...
FEB 7, 2020 • Article
As Biden Stalls, Is the "Restorationist" Narrative Losing Ground?
U.S. Global Engagement Senior Fellow Nikolas Gvosdev notes that former Vice President Joe Biden is, in foreign policy terms, most associated with a "restorationist" ...
FEB 5, 2020 • Podcast
Democratic Candidates & Foreign Policy after Iowa, with Nikolas Gvosdev
With the (incomplete) results of the Iowa Caucus putting the spotlight on Pete Buttigieg and Bernie Sanders, what do we know about their foreign policy ...
FEB 4, 2020 • Podcast
Do Morals Matter? Presidents & Foreign Policy from FDR to Trump, with Joseph Nye
How much do morals matter for U.S. presidents when it comes to international affairs? What are the ethics of "America First" or 2003 invasion of ...
JAN 31, 2020 • Article
In Favor of the Public Interest: Social Media Should be Regulated
"The sheer size of the social media market in news delivery, as well as the numerous instances of social media being used for harmful ends, ...
JAN 30, 2020 • Article
Hybrid Narratives and Competing with China
Senior Fellow Nikolas Gvosdev responds to the new report released by the Center for a New American Security entitled "Rising to the China Challenge: Renewing ...