Framing ethical perspectives
Democracy is a form of government in which political control is given to the people, whether directly or through the election of governing officials. Currently, large numbers of people have lost faith in this form of government and some elected officials have been working to dismantle democratic institutions. Our programs, events, and experts strive to better understand this development.
Featured Democracy Resources
State of global democracy, U.S. global engagement, and more
FEB 6, 2026 • Article
Trump and the Gaslighting of American Realism
APR 9, 2026 • Article
Realism vs. Pragmatism: Understanding America’s New Rhetorical Landscape
Amid Trump's fiery rhetoric and debates over "realism," Professor Jason Ralph writes that "pragmatism" may offer a better alternative for the American public.
SEP 11, 2025 • Video
Post-Liberal American Power
In the first event in our "Values & Interests" series, an expert panel examines the question: Has Trump 2.0 ushered in an era of post-liberal American power?
Related Initiatives
Ethics & International Affairs Journal
Ethics & International Affairs is the quarterly journal of Carnegie Council. It aims to close the gap between the theory and practice of ethics.
Explore Our Democracy Resources
OCT 4, 2013 • Podcast
The Road to War: Presidential Commitments Honored and Betrayed
The last declaration of war authorized by Congress was World War II, yet the U.S. has been entangled in many wars since. Why have ...
OCT 4, 2013 • Podcast
Strategy: A History
Creating a successful strategy is not just a question of being cleverer than your opponent. Sir Lawrence Freedman lays out some cardinal rules: think about ...
OCT 1, 2013 • Article
Policy Innovations Digital Magazine (2006-2016): Commentary: Peace Pays for Itself
The global economic impact of violence in 2012 was estimated to be $9.5 trillion. Governments need a way to account for and recuperate these unproductive expenditures.
SEP 30, 2013 • Podcast
Arash Abizadeh on Immigration
As the U.S. moves toward a major overhaul of its immigration system, many of those most significantly affected are being left out of the ...
SEP 27, 2013 • Article
Ethical Challenges in Trans-Pacific Relations: Selected Essays, 2013 Contest
Carnegie Council presents the 12 best essays from our 2013 Trans-Pacific Contest, a pioneering exercise in student collaboration. These outstanding pieces touch on issues ranging from the ...
SEP 6, 2013 • Article
Living With Injustice: Lessons from 1963
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the writing of three seminal texts in 20th century philosophy. An examination of these texts--by King, Arendt, and ...
SEP 6, 2013 • Article
Finding Our National Moral Compass on Syria
The U.S. received aid from other nations during its own Revolutionary War, and so despite all, "as America debates the pros and cons of ...
SEP 6, 2013 • Article
Policy Innovations Digital Magazine (2006-2016): Innovations: The Right Social Policies Can Promote Intergenerational Ethics
A new study by Bertelsmann Foundation analyzes fairness between the young and the old, and provides policy solutions for governments in aging societies.
AUG 19, 2013 • Article
Life, Money, and the Pursuit of Happiness
"The pursuit of wealth will continue to be the engine of American society. But let's not forget that the pursuit of happiness demands more. The ...
AUG 12, 2013 • Article
Global Ethical Dialogues: South America Slideshow June 2013
Slideshow from June 2013 Global Ethical Dialogue in South America with Centennial Chair Michael Ignatieff.