Tag: Democracy

Dive into our Democracy section for insightful analysis on democratic governance, rights, and participation. Join the debate on shaping our future.

Rodin's sculpture The Thinker at Columbia University, surrounded by autumn foliage and situated in front of a historic brick building with large arched windows. The artwork symbolizes solitude and deep reflection.
Books

Democracy In Solitude

About the book Civic Solitude: Why Democracy Needs Distance, by Robert B.…

By Robert B. Talisse 15 Min Read
Close-up of riot police officers holding batons and shields, representing issues related to criminal justice and law enforcement practices.
Books

How Criminal Justice Helped Break American Democracy

About the Book Criminal Justice in Divided America: Police, Punishment, and the…

By David A. Sklansky 22 Min Read
Supporters of Donald Trump gather outside the U.S. Capitol during the January 6 insurrection, waving American and Trump campaign flags alongside a United States Space Force flag, reflecting a moment tied to the contested vision for the future of the United States under Trump's influence.
The Politics Brief

The Future of the United States Under Donald Trump

Donald Trump’s return to the presidency is expected to redefine the United…

By P&RR 19 Min Read
Democracy is in danger: the Freedom in the World 2024 report classifies 84 countries and territories as 'Free' (in green), 59 as 'Partly Free' (in yellow), and 67 as 'Not Free' (in purple).
The Politics Brief

Democracy in 2024: Elections, Autocratization, and Freedom

With nearly 3 billion voters engaged in the largest electoral cycle in…

By P&RR 11 Min Read
The image shows President Donald Trump preparing to sign a plaque along the Texas-Mexico border wall in January 2021. This act symbolizes nativist ideology, emphasizing the protection of national identity by reinforcing borders and justifying strict measures against perceived outsiders. The border wall itself became a key symbol of nativism, reflecting efforts to maintain a homogeneous national identity.
Analysis & Theories

The Political Psychology of Nativism

Social identity and intergroup threat theories explain how perceived threats fuel nativism,…

By Karel J. Leyva 14 Min Read
Supporters of Austria's Identitarian Movement (Identitäre Bewegung), a far-right organization, march through the streets of Vienna carrying a banner that reads "Resistance cannot be banned." The movement is part of the broader radical right network across Europe, advocating for nationalist and anti-immigration policies. Their demonstrations, like the one shown here, aim to resist what they perceive as threats to European identity due to globalization and immigration. These actions have sparked significant controversy and criticism, with many viewing the group’s rhetoric as promoting division and xenophobia.
Books

The Global Rise of the Radical Right: Transnational Alliances

About the book World of the Right: Radical Conservatism and Global Order…

By Rita Abrahamsen Michael C. Williams 15 Min Read
This photo captures a locked ballot box used in Carson, North Dakota, on October 30, 1940. Courtesy of the National Archives and Records Administration, it serves as a historical reminder of the democratic process, particularly during pivotal primary elections that help shape the political landscape.
Books

Primary Election Reforms in America: Lessons for Today

A growing number of democracies allow registered party members some say in…

By Robert G. Boatright 22 Min Read
Supporters of Donald Trump gather outside the U.S. Capitol on January 6th, 2021, displaying flags and symbols that emphasize their partisan identity. The scene reflects the intense polarization in U.S. politics, where cognitive closure— the psychological need for certainty and clear identities—drives individuals to align strongly with their chosen political party, leading to heightened hostility and division between opposing groups.
Books

Cognitive Closure and the Rise of U.S. Partisan Polarization

About the Book The Closed Partisan Mind: A New Psychology of Partisan…

By Matthew Luttig 15 Min Read
The image depicts a populist movement, with Le Pen often associated with right-wing populism in France.
BooksAnalysis & Theories

The Populism Trap: Discontents and Challenges to Democracy

About the book The Democratic Regression. The Political Causes of Authoritarian Populism,…

By Armin Schäfer Michael Zürn 16 Min Read
This image captures the striking contrast between the simple, traditional life of an Amish girl and the broader ideals of liberal democracy, emphasizing individual freedom and modernity. Explore how these two worlds coexist and the values they represent.
Analysis & Theories

Liberal Democracy and Illiberal Minorities

Illiberal practices, deeply rooted in certain cultural and religious traditions, often clash…

By Karel J. Leyva 32 Min Read
Militant democracy: Image of an improvised wooden gallows with a noose, with the United States Capitol building in the background. This scene is from the attack on the Capitol on January 6, 2021.
Books

Militant Democracy: Legal Safeguards Against Internal Threats

About the book Democracy Despite Itself: Liberal Constitutionalism and Militant Democracy, by…

By Benjamin A. Schupmann 17 Min Read
This image captures a significant moment during the 2019 Hong Kong anti-extradition bill protests. It shows a large crowd gathered under a sea of umbrellas, a symbol of resistance, amidst a rainy setting in an urban environment. The towering skyscrapers in the background and curved structures of a nearby transport hub enhance the metropolitan feel of the scene. The photo, taken in black and white, adds a dramatic and somber tone, emphasizing the unity and determination of the protesters. The dense congregation of umbrellas not only protects against the rain but also visually represents the collective spirit of the people standing against the proposed legislation.
Books

The Assault on Liberal Values and Institutions in Hong Kong

In this interview, Professor Davis discusses the erosion of freedom in Hong…

By Michael Davis 353 Min Read
PEGIDA (Patriotic Europeans Against the Islamization of the West) protest in Frankfurt.
Freedom of Expression

Academia and the Illiberal Challenges to Freedom of Expression

Academic institutions are tasked with the critical challenge of preserving open discourse…

By Anja Hennig 16 Min Read
A large crowd of people participating in a Catalonian independence protest, marching through city streets and waving numerous Catalan flags, advocating for political rights and independence from Spain.
Human Rights

Political Rights vs. Constitutional Law: The Catalan Crisis

The Catalan case illustrates the tensions and conflicts that arise when regional…

By Jessica Almqvist 16 Min Read
The Citizens United decision has substantially amplified the power of wealthy donors in American politics.
The Politics Brief

Citizens United: Impact of Wealthy Donors and Dark Money

The effectiveness of legislative efforts to curb dark money, the role of…

By P&RR 14 Min Read