Democracy’s Diversity Problem

Does Diversity Make Democratic Transition Harder—Or Simply More Worthwhile?

 

Diversity is a strength of American democracy, or so the country’s political leaders like to proclaim. In the next breath, though, they’ll complain about how the country’s diverse array of interests, people, and ideologies make it too difficult to reach the consensus necessary for democratic action. So which is it? Is diversity and inclusion making us more democratic? Or more frustrated or gridlocked? Or is it a little bit of both? In advance of Zócalo’s first ever event in Riverside, “Is Diversity Bad for Democracy?” we assembled our own diverse …

Shove Your Civility

Can Americans—Should Americans—Disagree Less Bitterly?

Yes, Americans are polarized. Yes, we’re also uncivil about it. We shout at our fellow citizens across barricades, leave enraged posts on websites, and tune in to watch people shouting …

Are We Less Civil Now?

America’s Political Past Was Nastier in Some Ways-And Nicer In Others

 

In 21st-century American politics, the combatants don’t agree on much. But they do agree that political discourse isn’t as civil it should be. This is a very old complaint, since …

Is It Time We Started Looking For a Dictator?

Contemplating the Future of Democracy in an Age When Authoritarians Are Kicking Our Rears

Why can’t the United States build a rapid transit system like China’s? Is a firmer hand needed to guide the European Union through the financial crisis? Does California’s direct democracy …