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
DEC 4, 2009 • Podcast
Democracy and Waging War
In a difficult and protracted war democracies may accept a draw due to a lack of public support. If you were caught between bowing to ...
NOV 25, 2009 • Article
Policy Innovations Digital Magazine (2006-2016): Briefings: Contested Governance in a Global-Corporate World
Can nation-states, global corporations, and civil society alliances stabilize in a new form of effective global governance?
NOV 24, 2009 • Podcast
Justice: What's the Right Thing to Do?
Political philosopher Michael Sandel turns the Council into a classroom. Using questions such as military service, he engages the audience in a lively debate on ...
NOV 13, 2009 • Article
Policy Innovations Digital Magazine (2006-2016): Commentary: A Close Relationship Requires Compromise
The most important accomplishment of President Obama's trip to Japan would be to reassure Prime Minister Hatoyama that the tensions around Marine Corps Air Station ...
NOV 13, 2009 • Podcast
Your Income, Your Liberty, and Your Equality?
Inequality in America has been accelerating rapidly since the 1980s. But capping income levels could put liberty and competitiveness at risk. This short video on ...
OCT 23, 2009 • Article
Policy Innovations Digital Magazine (2006-2016): Briefings: How The Yes Men Fix the World
What can it tell us about our system of business ethics when two pranksters emulate corporations acting at their worst and best?
OCT 20, 2009 • Podcast
David Speedie Interviews Baroness Shirley Williams: A View from the United Kingdom on Transatlantic Relations
In a wide-ranging conversation, Baroness Williams discusses the Obama administration's foreign policy; the situation in Afghanistan and in Iran; U.S. and British politics, including ...
OCT 20, 2009 • Article
Policy Innovations Digital Magazine (2006-2016): Innovations: The Land Ethic
An economic restructuring based on a full understanding of the role of economic rent is needed for a new economic framework beyond both the old ...
OCT 6, 2009 • Podcast
Crude World: The Violent Twilight of Oil
From Ecuador to Nigeria, in most oil-producing countries oil has not brought any benefits to the poor and has often damaged people's health and ruined ...
SEP 22, 2009 • Podcast
Losing the News: The Future of the News That Feeds Democracy
"Internet culture values speed over accuracy, edge over fairness and balance, and above all, entertainment value above importance and significance. We can be overfed but ...