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
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 ...
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 ...
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. ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...