IHS Fellow
In Case You Missed It
It has become common to hear about democracy being under attack—and it certainly is, globally. However, the story of liberal democracy’s struggles does not end with its current illiberal challengers. The very structure of our democratic systems has facilitated the rise of these threats, particularly in the United States, where illiberal populism has taken hold more aggressively than in other Western democracies.
In his article for The UnPopulist, Andy Craig, an IHS fellow, delves into how the structural weaknesses of liberal democracies, particularly in the US electoral system, contribute to the ascendancy of anti-democratic movements. From partisan primaries to gerrymandering and the Electoral College, Craig highlights how narrow coalitions in governance erode democratic principles and fuel extremism.
Expanding democracy, Craig argues, is inseparable from a commitment to liberalism, as democratic systems that encourage broader coalitions are more likely to produce liberal, pluralistic outcomes. He stresses that reforms such as ranked choice voting and non-partisan primaries are crucial to ensuring majority rule and safeguarding both democracy and individual freedoms.
To read more about solutions for restoring democracy and protecting liberty, check out Andy Craig’s full article in The UnPopulist.
