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

SEP 9, 2009 Transcript

Afghanistan and Japan: Joel Rosenthal on Public Television

What impact will the recent elections in Afghanistan and Japan have on U.S. interests? Joel Rosenthal is interviewed on Worldfocus, along with Carol Giacomo ...

SEP 9, 2009 Podcast

Afghanistan and Japan: Joel Rosenthal on Public Television

What impact will the recent elections in Afghanistan and Japan have on U.S. interests? Joel Rosenthal is interviewed on Worldfocus, along with Carol Giacomo ...

Future global economy as seen from 1965. <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/quasimondo/98421837/">Mario <br>Klingemann</a> (<a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/2.0/deed.en">CC</a>).

SEP 1, 2009 Article

Policy Innovations Digital Magazine (2006-2016): Commentary: China: Failure is Not an Option

A stable and prosperous China will continue to bring enormous opportunities, both economically and diplomatically, for the United States. To advance its own interests, the ...

Look out over Sarhani<br>Photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/soldiersmediacenter/3698525268/" target="_blank">Army.mil Sgt. Matthew Moeller</a> (<a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/deed.en" target="_blank">CC</a>)

SEP 1, 2009 Article

Afghanistan, August 2009: A Turning Point--But Which Way Is it Turning?

August 2009 may be a turning point in the war in Afghanistan, according to McCausland, due to a dramatic increase in violence and a national election. ...

CREDIT: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jaytamboli/3567571676/">Jay Tamboli</a> (<a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/deed.en">CC</a>).

JUL 30, 2009 Article

Policy Innovations Digital Magazine (2006-2016): Innovations: Good Ideas Are From Anywhere

The recent confirmation hearings of Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayor touched upon a central issue of the international legal and moral order: natural law and ...

Julia Butterfly Hill tree-sitting in 2006. CREDIT: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/borderhacker/167163914/">Mark Dixon</a> (<a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/2.0/deed.en">CC</a>).

JUL 20, 2009 Article

Policy Innovations Digital Magazine (2006-2016): Commentary: "No Compromise in Defense of the Earth"

December 31, 2020 -- Dear Colleagues, Supporters, and Friends, I hereby resign as president of the Reputable Mainstream Environmental Lobbying Organization. The global political will necessary to ...

Jilbab fashion. Photo by <br><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rikie_rizza/3017806408/">Rikie Rizza</a>  (<a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/deed.en">CC</a>)

JUL 16, 2009 Article

Policy Innovations Digital Magazine (2006-2016): Briefings: Understanding Election Twitter

How does what happens online translate into pressure on leadership, and influence policy outcomes? This summer's major elections in India, Iran, and Indonesia show that ...

JUL 10, 2009 Podcast

Global Ethics Corner: Military Intervention and Democracy?

Is it ever ethical to violate a democratic constitution? If the rationale for military intervention is to save democracy, does that make it legitimate?

JUL 6, 2009 Podcast

U.S.-Iran Relations After the Iranian Election

How should the United States proceed in its relations with Iran during this turbulent time—and beyond? Should we launch direct, high-level talks between a ...

JUL 3, 2009 Podcast

Global Ethics Corner: Why Is Health Care So Difficult?

Why can't the U.S. negotiate a domestic solution to health care? Individuals are certainly responsible for their health. A wealthy society can also be ...