An Election Year Like No Other

Just beyond its midpoint, this?year of elections has been nothing short of dramatic, with?upsets and?protests as well as political violence?and other?shocks — most recently in the United States with the attempted assassination of Donald Trump, followed by Joe Biden’s withdrawal from the race just days ago. 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, check out 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 Ignatieff

Why Democracy Fuels Conspiracy Theories

Conspiracy theories are not the sole preserve of dictatorships, but a global phenomenon. Worse, the political competition that is inherent to democracy is driving the spread of lies, fake schemes, and half-truths.

Scott Radnitz

Bowling 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. Putnam

Polarization 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

Overcoming 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 Somer

Democracy 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