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
FEB 3, 2012 • Article
Russia Bulletin (2012): Russia Bulletin, Issue 2
David Speedie examines Russia's position on Iran; the upcoming Russian elections, including the Moscow demonstrations and the West's attitude towards them;and Jackson-Vanik and U....
JAN 17, 2012 • Podcast
Top Risks and Ethical Decisions 2012 with Ian Bremmer
What are the biggest political risks in 2012, and the associated ethical decisions? Political risk guru Ian Bremmer discusses his annual list, and his conclusions may ...
JAN 12, 2012 • Podcast
Global Ethics Corner: Primaries and Democracy: Debating the Costs and Benefits of Primary Elections
With primary season starting up, the Republican candidates are traveling around the nation, making stump speeches, kissing babies, and spending millions. Is this staple of ...
JAN 10, 2012 • Podcast
Making our Democracy Work: A Judge's View
The nine unelected justices of the U.S. Supreme Court have the power to strike down laws enacted by elected representatives. Why does the public ...
JAN 9, 2012 • Article
Policy Innovations Digital Magazine (2006-2016): Innovations: An Opportunity in Myanmar
Myanmar is ripe for social and economic innovation. A decent work and social protection agenda, combined with an industrial strategy, would help during its political ...
DEC 15, 2011 • Podcast
Justice for Hedgehogs
"The fox knows many things, but the hedgehog knows one big thing." Ronald Dworkin argues for one big thing: the unity of value. He asserts ...
DEC 9, 2011 • Podcast
Global Ethics Corner: Occupy Moscow
With Vladimir Putin's party receiving a rebuke in the December 4th parliamentary elections, Russia is at a crossroads. With alleged voter fraud and massive protests ...
NOV 23, 2011 • Podcast
Report from Iran
Dr. Larijani, Iran's secretary general of the High Council for Human Rights, describes Iran's system as a "democratic structure based on Islamic rationality," and engages ...
NOV 21, 2011 • Podcast
Re-Imagining a Global Ethic
"A global ethic makes it possible for us to agree to disagree about ultimate questions, provided we have the philosophical clarity that comes from that ...
NOV 15, 2011 • Podcast
Towards a More Robust Public Policy Environment in the Middle East
Dr. Alterman describes the principal challenges for the Arab Middle East states as "developing human capital and strengthening public policy environments." In aspiring to these, ...