What's Happening?
Democracy advocates are proposing new strategies to address democratic backsliding in the United States. These strategies focus on addressing root causes, envisioning future democratic systems, and building
connected ecosystems. The Democracy Iceberg framework developed by Philea identifies unmet needs, unheard emotions, and systemic failures as root causes driving polarization and anti-immigrant sentiment. Advocates suggest reshaping policymaking to meet people's needs, developing spaces for emotional connection, and expanding participatory programs to fix systemic failures. The Democracy Futures Project of PACE is working to envision paths forward for democratic governance, while ecosystem strategies aim to connect multiple democratic practices for systemic change.
Why It's Important?
The proposed strategies are significant as they aim to address the underlying issues causing democratic backsliding, rather than just treating symptoms. By focusing on root causes, advocates hope to create a more responsive and accountable democratic system that meets the needs of citizens. The emphasis on long-term visioning and connected ecosystems could lead to more sustainable democratic practices and infrastructure. These efforts are crucial in countering anti-democratic movements that have successfully prioritized similar strategies, posing a threat to democratic governance. The success of these strategies could lead to a more engaged and empowered citizenry, ultimately strengthening democracy in the U.S.
What's Next?
Advocates are working to implement these strategies by connecting different democratic practices and movements, sharing infrastructure, and developing compelling narratives to build support for systemic change. The Democracy Narratives Campaign is synthesizing research to create messaging that engages people in democratic practices. The focus is on nurturing cross-cutting democracy coalitions and resources to support these efforts. As these strategies gain traction, they may influence funding priorities and encourage more comprehensive approaches to democracy renewal. The challenge remains to balance short-term electoral work with long-term relationship building and systemic change.
Beyond the Headlines
The strategies proposed by democracy advocates highlight the need for a shift from defending the status quo to envisioning new democratic systems. This requires imagination and experimentation, as well as a willingness to challenge powerful forces that have hindered meaningful democratic engagement. The focus on emotional connection and participatory programs underscores the importance of addressing the human aspects of democracy, which are often overlooked in technocratic approaches. By fostering a more inclusive and responsive democratic system, these efforts could lead to a cultural shift in how democracy is perceived and practiced.
