Voters across the world are disillusioned with democracy. They see it as unresponsive, out of touch, inept, and even corrupt. Something needs to change, but no one can agree on what. Some reforms seem inadequate or too confusing to implement, while others appear far too destabilizing. What democracy needs, Joel Day argues in a new Journal of Democracy online exclusive, is a single bold and effective reform plan.
Why isn’t democracy working for the average citizen? The JoD essays below explore the reasons why voters are increasingly checking out and looking for alternatives.
People Say Democracy Isn’t Working
So, why don’t they want to fix it?
Joel DayHow Financial Secrecy Undermines Democracy
An expansive underworld of hidden wealth lies beneath the everyday economy. This stealth network of tax havens, secret trusts, and offshore accounts is weakening democratic institutions and fueling our worst enemies.
Charles G. Davidson and Ben JudahWhy the World Is Down on Democracy
Citizens across the globe still value democracy, but they have become dissatisfied with the way it is working. A new era of representation is in order — one featuring more diverse leaders, responsive politicians, and empowered publics.
Richard WikeHow One Small Change to the Way We Vote Could Do a World of Good
The world’s liberal democracies are deeply polarized. Here’s how we could help rebuild the political center.
Kimana Zulueta-FülscherThe Power of Liberal Nationalism
Democracy’s defenders have failed to appreciate the power of nationalism. They must arm themselves with emotionally compelling narratives to counter illiberal foes of free government. When they do, they are championing a winning message.
M. Steven FishMisunderstanding Democratic Backsliding
If democracies did a better job “delivering” for their citizens, so the thinking goes, people would not be so ready to embrace antidemocratic alternatives. Not so. This conventional wisdom about democratic backsliding is seldom true and often not accurate at all.
Thomas Carothers and Brendan HartnettDelivering for Democracy: Why Results Matter
Voters around the world are losing faith in democracy’s ability to deliver and increasingly turning toward more authoritarian alternatives. To restore citizens’ confidence, democracies must show they can make progress without sacrificing accountability.
Francis Fukuyama, Chris Dann, and Beatriz Magaloni
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Image credit: Jonathan Wiggs/The Boston Globe via Getty Images