Democracy has been on the decline globally for 16 consecutive years. U.S. democracy mirrors a similar trend, with increasing public distrust in government, rising polarizations, and growing disinformation and other threats from rapid advances in technology—all of which sound the alarm bell that such division has made it difficult for diverse peoples living in the U.S. to listen to each other and find common ground. And amid these democratic challenges, the 2022 NAEP Civics assessment results show a persistently low level of civics knowledge – a warning sign that our younger generation is not adequately prepared for these complex challenges
Read MoreAs the insurgents stormed the Capital, there could no longer be any remaining doubt – democracy was in danger. The warning signs had been gathering for years. Not just in the United States, but throughout most of the developed world. In fact, rich and compelling empirical evidence makes it clear that democracy has been eroding across a broad spectrum of national and institutional contexts.
Read MoreThe defeat of Donald Trump (despite winning 70 million votes) in the recent US election together with the continuing death and disruption resulting from the coronavirus pandemic are hugely significant events. Both point to the centrality of structural factors including poverty, racism, inequality and the vulnerability of ruling elites.
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