A Letter From Peru: Where Affirmative Action Is Attempting to Get Women on the Ballot

But Will It Be Enough to Save a Nation in Democratic Crisis?

What are the obstacles and opportunities facing democracy today? Zócalo is publishing a series of letters to highlight how the world’s democratic ideals are faring in practice. From Peru: Nadia Ramos, CEO of the Women’s Leadership Center of the Americas, writes about efforts to achieve parity for women in politics, and why they can help a nation in democratic crisis.

Can affirmative action save Peru?

Peru is facing the worst institutional, political, and social crisis of its recent democratic history. In December, then-President Pedro Castillo dissolved Congress, a decision that led to his …

by Nadia Ramos | July 24, 2023

A close up of George Washington on the dollar bill, which is slightly creased.

Saving Democracy Costs Money. How Do We Pay for It?

Increasing Civic Participation Is Expensive, But a New Idea—Democratic Action Funds—Could Help Raise the Cash

by Joe Mathews | July 11, 2023

In this time of rising polarization, authoritarian populism, and maddening big-money politics, leaders often say that it’s up to we the people to save democracy.

But democracy costs money. And democracy—unlike …

A Tale of Two Venezuelan Diasporas

After a Forced Exodus, We’re All Rebuilding Our Lives. Geography, Time, and Class Only Seem to Deepen Our Divides

by José González Vargas | May 1, 2023

American media covers only two types of the 7 million-plus immigrants who have left Venezuela in the past decade.

The first consists of the refugees and asylum seekers who walked across …

Gavin Newsom’s ‘Campaign for Democracy’ Has a Democracy Problem

The Governor Should Keep His Eyes on the Homefront Instead of Battling ‘UnAmerican Extremists’ in Republican States

by Joe Mathews | April 25, 2023

Gov. Gavin Newsom is doing a good thing by launching “Campaign for Democracy” against authoritarian governors who are limiting freedom in Republican states like Alabama and Florida.

But what he’s campaigning …

A Letter From Brazil: Where a Great Democracy Invention Is Making a Comeback

A Senator Reflects on the Birth, Decline, and Coming Resurgence of Participatory Budgeting

by Humberto Costa | April 19, 2023

A Letter From Switzerland: Where the People Have the Veto

How Giving Voters the Power to Cancel Laws Changes Lawmaking for the Better

by Stephan Kyburz | April 5, 2023

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