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
JUN 25, 2003 • Article
Democratic Development and Reckoning with the Past: The Case of Spain in Comparative Context
Boyd and Crocker discuss Spain as a case study of the problems raised by the process of development and democratization in a country that must ...
JUN 4, 2003 • Transcript
At War with Ourselves: Why America Is Squandering Its Chance to Build a Better World
The world’s remaining superpower has failed to grasp the importance of its global leadership responsibilities, argues Michael Hirsch. Assuming a leadership position within a ...
MAY 14, 2003 • Transcript
The New Chinese Empire: And What It Means for the United States
Our interests with China are peace, prosperity, and mutual exchange between two great countries and civilizations with openness for business, for students, for the professions. ...
APR 30, 2003 • Transcript
The Piratization of Russia: Russian Reform Goes Awry
How did a small group of Russian oligarchs manage to amass incredible fortunes in the short period following the end of the Cold War? Marshall ...
FEB 4, 2003 • Transcript
Of Paradise and Power: America vs. Europe in the New World Order
The widening military gap between Europe and the United States has an unavoidable effect, says Robert Kagan. "It is a natural human phenomenon that if ...
MAR 25, 2002 • Article
Human Rights Dialogue (1994–2005): Series 2, No. 7 (Winter 2002): Integrating Human Rights and Peace Work: Articles: Taking the Reconciliatory Route
Ivana Vuco describes the need for flexible human rights strategies in the search for peace and justice in the fragile democracy of Nigeria. Bonny Ibhawoh ...
DEC 5, 2001 • Transcript
Bad Elements: Chinese Rebels from Los Angeles to Beijing
The Chinese government sees itself as the caretaker of the entire "cosmic order" in China and views democracy as a destabilizing force that would cause ...
NOV 2, 2001 • Transcript
Human Rights as Politics and Idolatry
Human rights scholar Michael Ignatieff happened to be in Kabul when the Taliban came to power. He has never forgotten his conversations with Afghan women ...
OCT 16, 2001 • Transcript
Considering Elections in Kosovo: Lessons Learned from Bosnia
An edited transcript of remarks delivered by Julie Mertus, an expert on international law and the Balkans, at a 10/16/01 Council-sponsored Balkans Forum at Georgetown University.
OCT 16, 2001 • Podcast
Considering Elections in Kosovo: Lessons Learned from Bosnia
An edited transcript of remarks delivered by Julie Mertus, an expert on international law and the Balkans, at a 10/16/01 Council-sponsored Balkans Forum at Georgetown University.