A System-Analysis of Democracy’s Crisis

Newly published: Peter Levine, “A System-Analysis of Democracy’s Crisis,” in Studies in Law, Politics, and Society (2026), https://doi.org/10.1108/S1059-433720260000091003

Abstract: Democracy is in crisis. Evidence supports at least 16 explanations, many of which are linked in complex ways. Some of these explanations are likely to appeal more to the political left, center, or right. Instead of choosing one factor as the “root cause” and counting on any party or ideological movement to solve democracy’s crisis alone, we must understand the situation as a system of interlocking factors that should be addressed by different movements and organizations. Fortunately, American citizens and groups are already committed to tackling many of the threats. This article’s system-map is meant to help organize and inspire such action.

The published article is behind a paywall, but the corrected page proofs can be downloaded here.

This entry was posted in Uncategorized on by .

About Peter

Associate Dean for Research and the Lincoln Filene Professor of Citizenship and Public Affairs at Tufts University's Tisch College of Civic Life. Concerned about civic education, civic engagement, and democratic reform in the United States and elsewhere.

Leave a Reply