I think the second and third of your possibilities also has to do with technology, or rather the communication aspects, particularly with social media that lends to these having its limitations. While we assumed democracy was the preferred way of being governed, social media has lent a voice to those who simply do not think democracy is the way to go. Technology and social media have made the world smaller. From all over the world, those who hold views that are simply not popular now know there are others who sympathize and think the same way. And from that, they bind together to push their views, democratic or not.
The Swiss cantons come to mind as a example of fairly long lasting representative government. Most cantons are small, is my understanding and that may be more evidence in favor of federalism
The last decades have shown how fragile is American democracy. And in a manner or other it always has been that way. Perhaps that is the strength of a democracy. To survive it must be evolving and redefine itself as so many social conditions change particularly in our times.
Professor Brands is correct, humans are hard to please and supporting a democracy requires unique commitments to support such a political system. Citizens must be involved in their government or at least pay attention to the workings of the state. Democracy demands that its citizens listen to one another and consider varying points of view. Democracy to survive must value educational institutions as a means to contribute to the public good. These commitments are in short supply right now and it is hard to see any immediate changes. Problems continue to go unresolved, impatience prevails and many seek strong authoritarian solutions that are well beyond democratic ways of thinking.
Pardon my cynicism, but I don't think that the US really has true democracy. We have in reality plutocracy (government by the wealthy). Remember Joe Kennedy's oft-quoted remark to JFK before the latter decided to run for president? "Three things win elections: money, money, and money." Of course, money alone can't win an election. Were that the case, Michael Bloomberg would be president today. Some of the western European countries have federally financed elections so that people of modest means can run. We also need to open the presidential debates to third parties, e.g., the Libertarians, Greens, etc.
My goodness, what a great essay. Your pithy and informed insights helped me get a solid map for future reflection and reading. Thank you Professor Brands
I think the second and third of your possibilities also has to do with technology, or rather the communication aspects, particularly with social media that lends to these having its limitations. While we assumed democracy was the preferred way of being governed, social media has lent a voice to those who simply do not think democracy is the way to go. Technology and social media have made the world smaller. From all over the world, those who hold views that are simply not popular now know there are others who sympathize and think the same way. And from that, they bind together to push their views, democratic or not.
The Swiss cantons come to mind as a example of fairly long lasting representative government. Most cantons are small, is my understanding and that may be more evidence in favor of federalism
The last decades have shown how fragile is American democracy. And in a manner or other it always has been that way. Perhaps that is the strength of a democracy. To survive it must be evolving and redefine itself as so many social conditions change particularly in our times.
Professor Brands is correct, humans are hard to please and supporting a democracy requires unique commitments to support such a political system. Citizens must be involved in their government or at least pay attention to the workings of the state. Democracy demands that its citizens listen to one another and consider varying points of view. Democracy to survive must value educational institutions as a means to contribute to the public good. These commitments are in short supply right now and it is hard to see any immediate changes. Problems continue to go unresolved, impatience prevails and many seek strong authoritarian solutions that are well beyond democratic ways of thinking.
Pardon my cynicism, but I don't think that the US really has true democracy. We have in reality plutocracy (government by the wealthy). Remember Joe Kennedy's oft-quoted remark to JFK before the latter decided to run for president? "Three things win elections: money, money, and money." Of course, money alone can't win an election. Were that the case, Michael Bloomberg would be president today. Some of the western European countries have federally financed elections so that people of modest means can run. We also need to open the presidential debates to third parties, e.g., the Libertarians, Greens, etc.
My goodness, what a great essay. Your pithy and informed insights helped me get a solid map for future reflection and reading. Thank you Professor Brands