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
NOV 7, 2011 • Article
Policy Innovations Digital Magazine (2006-2016): Briefings: The Climate Change Novel: A Faulty Simulator of Environmental Politics
Ultimatums. Floods. Ecotage. More than 200 novels have been written that imagine life in a climate-changed world, and they point to some of the fundamental difficulties ...
OCT 25, 2011 • Podcast
Liberal Leviathan: The Origins, Crisis, and Transformation of the American World Order
The U.S. may no longer be a unipolar power, but the world order it helped create is alive and well. The rise of other ...
OCT 14, 2011 • Podcast
Global Ethics Corner: Occupy Wall Street: Does Rising Income Inequality Threaten American Democracy?
Does rising income inequality pose a threat to American democracy? This question has long been taboo in American politics. Yet as "Occupy Wall Street&...
SEP 27, 2011 • Podcast
Yahoo! and YouTube: Balancing Human Rights and Business
How do companies such as Yahoo! and YouTube decide on whether disturbing material should be banned from their sites? What are the free speech and ...
SEP 18, 2011 • Podcast
Does the Elephant Dance?: Contemporary Indian Foreign Policy
Former Canadian High Commissioner to India David Malone gives a comprehensive survey of contemporary Indian foreign policy. He begins by focusing on India's geography, history, ...
SEP 16, 2011 • Podcast
Global Ethics Corner: Genocide Denial in Rwanda: Dealing with the Past or Subverting Democracy?
Do laws that make it a crime to deny the existence of genocide help to lessen the chances of renewed conflict? Or, do they stifle ...
SEP 16, 2011 • Article
Policy Innovations Digital Magazine (2006-2016): Innovations: Happy Park(ing) Day 2011
Urban advocates, planners, officials, and artists join forces each September to install miniature parks and pop-up cafes in parking spaces normally reserved for cars.
SEP 9, 2011 • Article
Policy Innovations Digital Magazine (2006-2016): Commentary: Mining a Grave Concern in Guatemala's Election
Strong natural resource management is essential for a young democracy, yet Guatemala's human rights advocates face death threats after a failed presidential debate on mining.
AUG 26, 2011 • Podcast
Global Ethics Corner: Libya After Qaddafi: Redefining our Responsibilities
As Libya prepares for its future, do NATO member states have a moral responsibility to protect peace and stability? Or should Libya's future be of ...
AUG 19, 2011 • Podcast
Global Ethics Corner: In America, Does Pluralist Democracy Still Work?
Has pluralism in America emphasized private interest over public good? Does the market for ideas need more supervision, or should the market rule?