Democracy

Green reflections on prospects for prosperity, peace and a brighter future after a visit to North Korea.

Putin’s Russia is governed by means of political theatre designed to deflect and distract. From ‘us’ vs. ‘them’ foreign policy to anxious masculinity, this politics has spread from Russia to Europe and the United States, corroding democracy on the way.

With authoritarian populism on the rise, liberal democracy in Europe is facing an existential crisis. In this interview, Yascha Mounk, author of The People vs. Democracy, hashes out the conundrum facing democracies old and new.

Referendums are often considered the superior form of democratic expression, but how legitimate are they really?

A shared republican understanding of democracy could offer a way out from the dead ends of ethnic nationalism and identity politics.

Rethinking how we ask voters what they want could ensure representative government for all and help us create a collaborative political culture.

In Spain, ‘Cities of Change’ are changing the game in municipalities and pioneering citizen involvement – what is their relationship to national forces such as Podemos?

Belgrade’s waterfront is threatened with a megaproject imposed by the government. Citizens have taken to the streets and mobilised against it, and shown an alternative to this kind of urban development.

Populism is malleable and isn’t the problem. The xenophobic nationalism that underpins certain populist movements is what threatens democracy.

Despite mass protests, Poland’s ruling party retains its popularity and grip on power. How can its dominance be countered?