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
SEP 26, 2012 • Podcast
The Righteous Mind: Why Good People Are Divided by Politics and Religion
"Haidt is one of the smartest and most creative psychologists alive, and his newest book, "The Righteous Mind," is a tour de force--a brave, brilliant ...
SEP 24, 2012 • Podcast
Ethics Matter: Dambisa Moyo on How Aid to Africa is Harmful
Aid has failed to create economic growth, says Moyo, and allows governments to evade their responsibilities. So when people say that aid provides essential services, ...
SEP 20, 2012 • Podcast
Restless Empire: China and the World Since 1750
In this astute analysis, Westad explains China's international relations over the last 250 years from a Chinese perspective, providing valuable insights into its current and future ...
AUG 30, 2012 • Article
Home Alone?
What is it like to be liberal in East Asia? Is liberalism a specifically Western ideology, or does it embody universal norms? The old dispute ...
AUG 15, 2012 • Article
Policy Innovations Digital Magazine (2006-2016): Briefings: Repairing the Shattered Sky
A new film looks at American leadership during the ozone crisis and compares it to the situation with global warming today. The clock is ticking ...
AUG 10, 2012 • Podcast
Global Ethics Corner: Is Censorship Ever Justified?
From jailing bloggers in Ethiopia to legislating religion-neutral clothing in France, censorship takes many forms. Is censorship ever warranted, even if it's used to promote ...
AUG 10, 2012 • Article
Policy Innovations Digital Magazine (2006-2016): Briefings: Can Bioregionalism Go Global Before Collapse?
Bioregionalism proposes an alternative future in which overconsumption is drastically reduced, the natural environment is preserved, and proactive measures are taken to provide basic needs.
AUG 9, 2012 • Article
Policy Innovations Digital Magazine (2006-2016): Briefings: The Practice of Bioregionalism
Through local governance, appropriate technologies, and the occasional confederation for solving big problems, bioregionalism promotes human flourishing along with natural sustainability.
AUG 3, 2012 • Article
Policy Innovations Digital Magazine (2006-2016): Briefings: Building Bioregional Politics for an Ecological Civilization
The developed countries need to learn to live more sustainably within the confines of the local resources available to them rather than exploiting the resources ...
JUL 27, 2012 • Podcast
Global Ethics Corner: Do Stricter Gun Controls Reduce Gun-Related Violence?
The gun control debate in the United States has been revived in the wake of the Aurora massacre. With thousands of firearm-related homicides each year ...