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
JUL 27, 2012 • Article
Policy Innovations Digital Magazine (2006-2016): Commentary: Do Language Policies Contribute to Poverty and Underdevelopment?
In least developed countries, language policy should aim to increase education, productivity, and cohesion, yet many countries have policies that work against these aims.
JUL 2, 2012 • Podcast
The Arab Spring: Unfinished Business
What should we make of Egypt's new president? What should the United States do in Syria? What is the future of the Palestine-Israel conflict? International ...
JUN 29, 2012 • Podcast
Global Ethics Corner: Patriotism: Unquestioned Commitment or Dangerous Justification?
Can you acknowledge dissenters as patriots? Can you dissent and still sing the national anthem wholeheartedly? Can you live in a middle ground?
JUN 28, 2012 • Article
Policy Innovations Digital Magazine (2006-2016): Commentary: Globalizing Censorship
Consent of the Network by Rebecca MacKinnon is a must-read on how businesses and governments wield influence over the Internet.
JUN 21, 2012 • Podcast
The Leaderless Revolution: How Ordinary People Will Take Power and Change Politics in the 21st Century
Countries the world over are suffering from a deficit of democracy, says Carne Ross, and it's not enough just to protest and/or tinker with ...
JUN 15, 2012 • Article
Policy Innovations Digital Magazine (2006-2016): Commentary: Tired of Waiting for a 21st Century Trade Agreement
A leaked version of the Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement reveals that the United States continues to buck a broad consensus in favor of allowing members to ...
JUN 8, 2012 • Podcast
Global Ethics Corner: The Ethics of "Citizens United": Does Corporate Cash Threaten Democracy?
Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker recently won his recall election and many are saying this is due, in part, to the "Citizens United" decision, which gave ...
JUN 8, 2012 • Article
Elections Without Change
According to opinion polls, the majority of Russians still favor Putin for president, despite the evidence that his latest incumbency is a serious setback for ...
MAY 29, 2012 • Article
Policy Innovations Digital Magazine (2006-2016): Innovations: City Development States: Why Lagos Works Better than Nigeria
With a national government plagued by corruption and poisoned by dependence on oil money, state- and city-led development may be the best way for Nigeria ...
MAY 11, 2012 • Article
Russia Bulletin (2012): Russia Bulletin, Issue 6
As expected, Vladimir Putin's re-election to the presidency has resulted in a torrent of criticism from all sides. Yet David Speedie argues that for many ...