Themester

What does it take to be a successful democracy? Why do contemporary democracies face so many challenges? The focus of the course is on the current challenges to democracy, such as populism, illiberalism, and nativism. To understand the nature of these assaults on democratic values, we must first examine the principles and institutions of democracies around the world, as well as the conditions - economic growth, or civic culture, or foreign influence- that facilitate or hinder democratic practices. We then turn to a close analysis of the causes and the manifestations of contemporary challenges, focusing on economic grievances, migration problems, cultural backlash, and illiberal values.

Instructor: Dr. Jack Bielasiak