Democracy, at a crossroads?

Welcome to Diplomatic Courier’s World This Month, which explores key trends in global affairs in the past month to keep you up to date.? ?

Democracy is having a moment, as the institutions that served well in the past are unable to cope with the challenges of our world today. They urgently need updating or else trends of failing trust in these institutions will only accelerate. Other trending themes for the month include another look at ballot boxes around the world and the future of the rising generation.?

We hope you find these insights useful! As always, we welcome your comments or suggestions.

This newsletter is approximately a 5-min read.

Shane Szarkowski, PhD

Editor–in–Chief

Democracy’s reformative moment

Our democratic institutions are under pressure—internally from societal fragmentation and distrust, and externally from polycrisis challenges. A healthy future of democracy requires democratic institutions today to evolve with current and future challenges in mind.?

• Democracies must reform to survive – Glenn Nye
• Democracy has lost its global appeal, consider Afghanistan – Ambassador M. Ashraf Haidari
• Migration, mental health, and democracy – Amy Kaslow

Revisiting the ballot box

Voting is among the most fundamental principles of democracy, but holding an election does not necessarily make or indicate a healthy democracy. The ballot box isn’t the only place where meaningful voting takes place, either—making ‘unintentional voting’ a real potential issue.?

• Moving from ‘firefighting’ to defending democracy – Adam Ratzlaff
• Venezuela faces crossroads in high–stakes election – Jesus Rios and Julie R.
• How unintentional voting erodes democracy – Elizabeth J. Sandler

Eyes on the rising generation

Younger generations bear a particular burden in these times of great complexity and multi–vectored threats. Some reads this month considered youth leadership on the global stage, matching work to purpose, and how toxic social media trends impact young men.

• Youth are forging our shared future – Whitney DeVries
• The rising generation needs a norm–shift on early job choices – Wendy Kopp
• How ‘grind culture’ downplays democracy’s importance to young men – Leo Sereni

In case you missed it…

Other important reads from August addressed Europe’s precarious sustainability leadership position, a look at how Hamas funds its governance activities, and a critical review of Anne Applebaum’s latest book Autocracy, Inc.?

• The future of Europe’s green credentials is in jeopardy – Amb. Thomas Matussek
• Unpacking Hamas’ financial network for governing the Gaza Strip – Elia Preto Martini
• Oversimplifying the world today – Joshua Huminski

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