Democracy

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

JUN 9, 2021 Podcast

Illiberal Democracy on the Rise: Examining Brazil, Hungary, & India

APR 19, 2022 Podcast

Why Democracy vs. Autocracy Misses the Point, with Jean-Marie Guéhenno

Senior Fellow Anja Kapsersen is joined by Professor Jean-Marie Guéhenno for a conversation about virtual communities and the advent of the age of data.

FEB 23, 2024 Article

What Do We Mean When We Talk About "AI Democratization"?

With numerous parties calling for "AI democratization," Elizabeth Seger, director of the CASM digital policy research hub at Demos, discusses four meanings of the term.

Explore Our Democracy Resources

Shibley Telhami

JUN 10, 2013 Podcast

The World Through Arab Eyes: Arab Public Opinion and the Reshaping of the Middle East

While domestic injustices and the information revolution were key factors, Dr. Telhami argues it's impossible to understand the Arab uprisings without also referring to foreign ...

Richard Haass

JUN 6, 2013 Podcast

Foreign Policy Begins at Home: The Case for Putting America's House in Order

We have been guilty of overreaching abroad and underachieving at home, says Richard Haass, and these sins are really two sides of the national security ...

CREDIT: Devin Stewart, Carnegie Council

JUN 5, 2013 Article

Mindsets May Hinder Progress in Myanmar

Great excitement surrounds the World Economic Forum meeting in Myanmar this week, an indication of the country's new openness. But while the media has highlighted ...

Carne Ross

MAY 29, 2013 Podcast

Carnegie New Leaders: A Discussion with Independent Diplomat's Carne Ross

It's not always easy to do the right thing. "Had I had children, had I been 10 years older, I wouldn't have done it." In a ...

Calton HIll in Edinburgh, Scotland via <a href="http://www.shutterstock.com/pic-98074637/stock-photo-scotland-edinburgh-calton-hill.html">Shutterstock</a>

APR 10, 2013 Podcast

Investing in an Independent Scotland

In an eloquent speech, First Minister Salmond, leader of the government in Scotland, makes the case for an independent Scotland. In addition to compelling economic ...

Anti-Morsy Graffiti.CREDIT: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/drumzo/8264591190/">Jonathan Rashad</a> (<a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/2.0/deed.en"">CC</a>)

APR 9, 2013 Article

Why Dictators Don't Like Jokes

Pro-democracy activists around the world are discovering that humor is one of the most powerful weapons in the fight against authoritarianism.

CREDIT: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/marine_corps/5001407428/">U.S. Marine Corps</a> (<a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/2.0/deed.en">CC</a>).

APR 9, 2013 Article

Policy Innovations Digital Magazine (2006-2016): Commentary: Social Covenants Must Precede Social Contracts

Fragile states that do not first forge a social covenant will later find it difficult to codify justice in a social contract.

CREDIT: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/brentolson/3383874755/">Brent Olson</a> (<a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/2.0/deed.en">CC</a>).

MAR 26, 2013 Article

Policy Innovations Digital Magazine (2006-2016): Innovations: Sustainable, Happy, Efficient: A Complete Indicator of Well-being

Only through a composite metric of progress and happiness can governments measure and deliver what matters most: sustainable well-being.

CREDIT: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/worldeconomicforum/8416120691/">World Economic Forum</a> (<a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/2.0/deed.en">CC</a>).

MAR 22, 2013 Article

Policy Innovations Digital Magazine (2006-2016): Commentary: Will Global Voluntarism Supersede Rule of Law?

The World Economic Forum is advocating a move toward coalitions of the willing and able for solving global problems. Will it work?

CREDIT:  <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kk/3638390114/">Kris Krug</a>, <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/deed.en">(CC)</a>

MAR 21, 2013 Article

Is China Taking the Right Cues From History?

Signs suggest that China's new president Xi Jinping will be inclined to double down on communist orthodoxy, based on his reading of the history of ...