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
MAR 19, 2013 • Podcast
Global Thinkers Forum Interviews Devin Stewart on Ethical Leadership
"Ethical leadership means two things: ethically leading others; and shaping the way society understands ethics. Both are deeply linked. Leading in an ethical way is ...
MAR 19, 2013 • Transcript
Global Thinkers Forum Interviews Devin Stewart on Ethical Leadership
"Ethical leadership means two things: ethically leading others; and shaping the way society understands ethics. Both are deeply linked. Leading in an ethical way is ...
FEB 25, 2013 • Podcast
Behind the Headlines--After the Israeli Elections: A New Chapter or More of the Same?
Why were the recent Israeli elections results so different from expectations? Why were the main issues domestic ones, with little attention paid to Iran or ...
FEB 25, 2013 • Article
Scotland, Independence, and Internationalism
The debate over Scotland's future is one that not only has ramifications for Scotland and Britain, but for the rest of the world as well.
FEB 14, 2013 • Podcast
Report from the Middle East
Chuck Freilich's knowledgeable talk gives us an overview of the primary forces at work today in the Middle East--and some potential outcomes. He also provides ...
FEB 11, 2013 • Article
Policy Innovations Digital Magazine (2006-2016): Innovations: Ma Jun: Information Empowers
Chinese environmentalist Ma Jun walks the line between transparency and activism in his quest to clean China's air, land, and water.
JAN 30, 2013 • Podcast
Going to Tehran: Prospects for U.S.-Iranian Engagement
Americans' view of Iran as an illegitimate system in imminent danger of overthrow is wrongheaded, wishful thinking, say the Leveretts. The U.S. needs to ...
JAN 18, 2013 • Podcast
Ethics Matter: Top Risks and Ethical Decisions 2013 with Ian Bremmer
"There are three big things happening right now in the world: China rising, Middle East exploding, Europe muddling through. Those are the things that truly ...
JAN 17, 2013 • Podcast
A Fragile New Burma
Back from a recent fact-finding trip to Burma, veteran Asia correspondent Barbara Crossette reports on the complex situation there. People have high hopes for more ...
