Whatever Happened to Democracy?

Article

What has happened to the great democratic revolution? John Keane sifts through the general confusion surrounding democracy and puts forward a personal view of what it could be and what can be done to build on its historic achievements.

Just over a decade ago, talk of the global triumph of democracy beamed around the world. Now, democracies everywhere are feeling the pinch.

Enthusiasm is waning for politicians, parties and representative government. There are new forms of public grumbling and rising tides of anti-democratic behaviour, from states and individuals. All these reveal a general confusion about what democracy is, what it could be, and what can be done to build on its achievements.

Related items

  1. A photo of a field of solar panels with a line of trees and a sunset sky behind it

    The Europe agenda: Energy and climate

    A redefined relationship with Europe is the most direct path to the UK's climate and energy goals.
  2. Sad young woman sitting on the window

    The loneliest generation: What it is like to grow up in England today

    Connection should be the fabric that binds society together. But today’s young people have never felt more disconnected. 
  3. Man Writing Code on Desktop Computer With Multiple Monitors Set Up and a Laptop in Creative Office

    Bottleneck Britain: How digital competition could power UK growth and sovereignty

    Artificial intelligence could be the UK’s biggest economic opportunity in a generation, but only if its gains are spread across the economy rather than pooled within a handful of companies.