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Prospects for Bipartisanship in a Divided Country
Political polarization affects democracy and discourse about public policy. But a series of workshops with diverse stakeholders discussing sensitive policy issues found that Americans from different demographic, economic, political, professional, and social backgrounds can reach consensus.
Jan 19, 2023
Commentary
Whether Democracy Is Eroding or on the Upswing Depends on What State You Live In
Voter laws, civic education opportunities, and trust in government are all important aspects of democracy that impact individuals' civic participation. If policymakers had better ways to measure and monitor this “civic infrastructure” beyond just voter turnout, a different, more complicated but complete picture of our democracy would likely emerge.
Dec 13, 2022

Explore Democracy

Journal Article
Cultural Evolution and the Economic Wealth of Nations
This chapter reviews research on the cultural evolution of economic development around the globe, including the relationship between development outcomes and linguistic and religious ancestry.
May 25, 2023
Commentary
Upcoming Presidential Election Will Clarify Taiwan's China Policy
Until the Taiwanese presidential election next January, China, the United States, and many other countries will be watching Taiwan with bated breath. Across the Indo-Pacific region and the world, the hope would simply be that no matter who is elected, peace and stability continue to prevail in the Taiwan Strait.
May 19, 2023
Blog
U.S. Gun Laws, China's COVID Outbreak, Space in 2050: RAND Weekly Recap
This weekly recap focuses on gun policy in America, the myth of America's “Ukraine fatigue,” the COVID outbreak in China, and more.
Jan 13, 2023
Report
Defining and Measuring Civic Infrastructure
Is the United States in a civic crisis? Or is American democracy simply evolving? A framework for defining and measuring civic infrastructure can help answer these questions—and preserve a healthy democracy.
Nov 30, 2022
Journal Article
Policymaking to Support Resilience in Democratic Countries: An Examination of Sweden, Israel, and Australia
This article identifies measures that contribute to resilience in democracies. Policymakers in democratic countries should anticipate emerging trends and threats to enhance their resilience in a complex and dangerous security environment.
Nov 8, 2022
Journal Article
Shared Cultural Ancestry Predicts the Global Diffusion of Democracy
Countries with shared linguistic and religious ancestry have similar democracy outcomes.
Nov 4, 2022
Blog
Homelessness in L.A., Russia's Military Woes, Educator Morale: RAND Weekly Recap
This weekly recap focuses on breaking the cycle of incarceration and homelessness, Russia’s ongoing military struggles, NATO expansion, and more.
Aug 19, 2022
Report
Securing U.S. Elections
Election systems across U.S. states and jurisdictions are diverse in terms of governance and technology. How can state and local officials effectively assess and prioritize cybersecurity risk in the systems they oversee?
Aug 16, 2022
Essay
'The Future Could Be Brilliant': RAND's CEO Is an 'Apocaloptimist'
Jason Matheny, RAND's new president and CEO, explains why he's cautiously optimistic about the future of humanity, the importance of public service, and RAND's role in shaping policy solutions.
Aug 4, 2022
Commentary
'Truth Decay' in Europe Is Real, but Its Advance Can Be Slowed
Though present in Europe, the evidence suggests that trends of Truth Decay are not as widespread or as pronounced as they are in the United States. There is still time for policymakers to intervene and limit their growth.
May 17, 2022
Multimedia
Expert Insights: Truth Decay in Europe
The role of facts and data in public life in Europe is changing and a new study has found evidence of the signs of Truth Decay. However, there is still time to act and help prevent or slow its growth. Senior researchers Axelle Devaux and Stijn Hoorens discuss the research in the Expert Insights podcast.
May 16, 2022
Commentary
The Day Before the Revolution
April 19 is synonymous in Korea with democracy. Mass demonstrations that day in 1960 led to the collapse of the increasingly corrupt Syngman Rhee government. Today, histories of Korea's democratization movement commemorate the April Revolution as the nation's first mass struggle for democracy.
Apr 26, 2022
Commentary
Will South Korea's New President Reshape Regional Dynamics?
Yoon Suk-yeol has been elected president of South Korea. With a tall order to fill at home and abroad, the Yoon administration has the potential to reshape South Korea's future and relationships in the region. The path that he carves for Seoul in the coming weeks and months will be watched with keen interest marked by hopes and apprehension by his neighbors.
Mar 15, 2022
Commentary
What the Media Might Have Missed About South Korea's Elections
The toxicity of the anti-feminist discourse in South Korea does not accurately reflect the gender-related tensions and problems that most Koreans currently face. The obstacles to improving gender equity are more mundane and more ubiquitous than the hyperbole of anti-feminism suggests.
Mar 10, 2022
Report
Truth Decay in Europe
Truth Decay, the diminishing role of facts in public life, is less prevalent across Europe than it is in the United States. What actions can be taken now to stop Truth Decay from spreading further—and potentially prevent its serious consequences?
Feb 23, 2022
Commentary
South Korea's Presidential Election: Beyond Mudslinging, What Gives?
The 2022 South Korean presidential campaign has focused largely on personal attacks and allegations of corruption with little attention being paid to pressing issues facing the nation. The absence of meaningful policy debate and clarity on policy deliverables will continue to leave the South Korean electorate largely uninformed about what may be the most important decision they will make in 2022.
Jan 3, 2022
Blog
Russia and Ukraine, Climate Migration, Democracy in Asia: RAND Weekly Recap
This weekly recap focuses on Russia and Ukraine, planning for climate migration, the state of democracy in Asia, and more.
Dec 10, 2021
Report
Democracy Remains Fragile in the Asia-Pacific
In Asia, there has been a reduction in the number of autocracies over time but also a rise in the number of partial democracies. What makes some Asian states slide toward authoritarianism? What policies can support democratization, and how can external actors help?
Dec 6, 2021

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