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 alarming 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.
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
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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.
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.
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.
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?
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 ...