This year of elections, just over halfway through, has been nothing short of dramatic, with shocks, upsets, protests, and political violence — most notably, the attempted assassination of Donald Trump last weekend. Democracy is being tested as increasingly polarized voters head to the polls. Will it succumb to division and distrust, or will it withstand its present trials?
To understand better what’s plaguing (and sustaining) our democracies, read the following collection of Journal of Democracy essays.
When Democracy Is on the Ballot
Democracy is on dangerous ground when its fundamental rules become the main point of political contention. This is where we are today. The truth is that the institutions, not just the players, need to change.
Michael IgnatieffBowling Alone: America’s Declining Social Capital
Something happened in America starting in the mid-to-late twentieth century to diminish civic engagement and social connectedness. What could that “something” be? Why were fewer and fewer Americans going the polls, the pews, and town halls?
Robert D. PutnamPolarization versus Democracy
Why do ordinary people vote to return to office undemocratic incumbents? New survey experiments in several countries suggest that many voters are willing to put their partisan interests above democratic principles — a finding that may be key to understanding democratic backsliding.
Milan W. SvolikOvercoming Polarization
Around the world, polarizing political strategies are pushing societies into a vicious cycle of zero-sum politics and eroding democratic norms. If democracies are to escape this trap, wise choices and innovation by prodemocratic politicians will be needed.
Jennifer McCoy and Murat SomerDemocracy and Deep Divides
How do democracies deal with the deep divisions created by race, ethnicity, religion, and language? The cases of Canada, India, and the United States show that democratic institutions — notably, competitive elections and independent judiciaries — can bridge divides and build stability, but they must find a way to manage the tension between individual and group equality.
Nathan Glazer
Subscribe here to have curated collections like this one and other Journal of Democracy news delivered directly to your inbox.
Image Credit: Chris Yakimov via Flickr