Saving Democracy: Gerry Stoker on the Challenges and Opportunities Faced by Liberal Democracies in the 21st Century

In this thought-provoking article, Professor Gerry Stoker examines the challenges and opportunities faced by liberal democracies in the 21st century. He argues that while democracy is facing a number of threats, it is also adaptable and resilient. By embracing innovation and citizen engagement, we can strengthen democracy and ensure its future.

Democracy is under threat. Around the world, we are seeing the rise of authoritarian regimes, the erosion of civil liberties, and the spread of disinformation. In the United States, we have witnessed the rise of a demagogue who has repeatedly attacked the foundations of our democracy. In the United Kingdom, we have seen a surge in support for right-wing populism, which has led to a weakening of our commitment to human rights. And in Europe, we have seen the growth of far-right parties, which have exploited fears about immigration and globalization to sow division and undermine democratic institutions.

It is important to remember that democracy is not inevitable. It is a fragile system that requires constant vigilance and care. If we want to save democracy, we must be prepared to fight for it. We must defend our institutions, promote civil liberties, and fight against disinformation. We must also find ways to engage citizens in the political process and empower them to make their voices heard.

One of the most important ways to strengthen democracy is to embrace innovation. We need to find new ways to reach citizens, engage them in the political process, and make government more responsive to their needs. We also need to find ways to make democracy more inclusive, so that everyone has a voice.

Another important way to strengthen democracy is to promote citizen engagement. We need to find ways to make it easier for citizens to participate in the political process. We also need to find ways to make government more transparent and accountable to citizens. By empowering citizens and making them more involved in the political process, we can make democracy more responsive and effective.

Democracy is facing a number of challenges, but it is also adaptable and resilient. By embracing innovation and citizen engagement, we can strengthen democracy and ensure its future. We must remember that democracy is not a spectator sport. It is a participatory system that requires all of us to play a role. If we want to save democracy, we must be prepared to fight for it.

Gerry Stoker is a leading scholar of democratic governance. He is a Professor of Politics at the University of Southampton and a Fellow of the British Academy. His research focuses on the challenges and opportunities facing democracy in the 21st century.