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Before we can even start discussing the ways our democracy can be improved, we must agree on a common sense definition of the term.
Searching how countless thinkers and scholars define the word "democracy", we can't fail to notice that there is no simple, standard definition. Similarly, if we were to ask common people on the street to define democracy, we would get a variety of different answers and we would be no closer to having an exact definition of the term.
However, by putting together all the possible answers and definitions, we can highlight the intrinsic qualities of democracies. A definite series of features stand out, with each one deriving from the previously enumerated ones.
It is, after all, critical to gain a clear understanding of the defining features of a democracy, because it provides a bedrock upon which to build all of that which will be discussed afterwards, a standard that we can use to gauge our democratic achievements.
This is the starting point in our journey towards a proper and complete understanding of what a democracy is.
The etymological meaning is simple enough to comprehend, but the implications are easily overlooked.
The first level of democracy is fundamental. It is the basis upon which everything else is built.
The first level of democracy, if unmoderated and left unchecked, can lead to mob rule and the tyranny of the masses. The second level provides balance to the first one.
The first and second levels laid out the theoretical foundations, and stated the core values of democracies. The third level of democracy is more about the concrete steps to make it work. We shall explore the core institutions, as well as the professionalism and practicalities required.
When discussing the third level of democracy, we strayed away from the concept of the power to the people. In this step, we make sure to give the power back to the People, so that we can come full circle back to the first level of democracy.
The only sane way for the citizenry to cast their ballots in elections, is after they have received relevant, accurate and factual information about the candidates and the issues...
All about income, taxes, livelihood, for a fair and just society, where everybody can make a living.
Democracy is also defined by the relationships countries have with each other, either amongst democracies or between democracies and authoritarian regimes.
The definition of democracy started with the individual. It ends with humanity as a whole and the best it has to offer...
Almost by definition, a democracy is a work in progress. The accronym WIP should be tagged after the name of each democratic country: USA (WIP), Germany (WIP), France (WIP), etc. This article explains why.
A thought experiment: imagine a democracy of saints vs a democracy of little devils...
How to teach democracy to young students in an ethical way?
Although we are only getting started, we aim to progressively extend our coverage of countries around the world.
This section explores the main challenges in established democracies.
The most critical weakness to fix as a matter of priority is the root cause of the Duverger Syndrome.
The Duverger Syndrome is democracies' most critical illness. Both the causes and the fixes are known. Solutions must be applied as a matter of priority.
Disinformation, media, populism, Trumpism, and a poor political discourse culture.
Established democracies are under attack from authoritarian regimes, as well as from within.
Authoritarian regimes cross borders and repress refugees living in democratic countries.
One of the most critical priority for any democracy is to improve its electoral system and start using a much better voting method.
A good media environment is critical for a healthy and stable democracy.
The quality of our knowledge of public matters is commensurate with the quality of the media that deliver us the information upon which we rely to create our own opinion of what is right and what is wrong, whom to vote for or against, etc.
For good or for evil, openly or covertly, countries routinely influence each other's media landscape. Some countries have adopted legislation to control, regular, curtail or restrict foreign influence.
The continued failure of most countries to significantly control corruption is contributing to a crisis in democracy around the world.
A strong judiciary is important in any democracy, as it can balance the powers of the executive and of the legislative.
It is said that there are only two things that are certain in life: death and taxes.
The government needs the financial resources to perform its duties. Taxes are obviously necessary. However, not all taxes are created equal.
What criteria can we use to evaluate the usefulness of a tax, and its contribution to running a balanced society? What taxes are harmful and should be abolished? What taxes would, overall, be more beneficial? What proportions do harmful taxes take in a government's budget, as compared to more benign taxes?