The United States, like other polarized democracies, is in turmoil. Increasing radicalism, intolerance, and violence continue to rock the country in the run-up to the November election, with a second assassination attempt on Donald Trump’s life foiled just days ago.
What is underlying the “crisis” of democracy, and what can we do to fix it? The eminent scholar Adam Przeworski contends that different people define democracy differently — and we need to rethink how to manage these tensions.
The following selection of Journal essays, free for a limited time, reflect on this polarization and how to protect ourselves from the damage it is inflicting.
Who Decides What Is Democratic?
The “crisis” of democracy is a crisis of representation. New parties, some of which are populist in troublingly illiberal ways, are arising from this moment. The danger that they pose is not that they are antidemocratic, but that they are antiliberal.
Adam PrzeworskiWhen 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 IgnatieffThe Rise of Political Violence in the United States
In a deeply polarized United States, ordinary people now consume and espouse once-radical ideas and are primed to commit violence.
Rachel KleinfeldAmerica’s Crisis of Civic Virtue
The problem for democracy today is not capitalism; it is a decline in public honesty and civility. But there is an opportunity to revive our sense of national community, if we seize it.
Arthur C. BrooksPolarization 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. Svolik
Subscribe here to have curated collections like this one and other Journal of Democracy news delivered directly to your inbox.
Image Credit: Astrid Riecken/Getty Images