Is American democracy truly at risk? According to recent surveys, a significant majority of Americans believe so. Dive into a compelling discussion hosted by Boston University, where faculty experts unravel the complexities behind this growing concern. From the rise of political violence and voter suppression to the spread of misinformation and extreme populism, this conversation sheds light on the factors threatening the very foundation of our democratic system. Learn about the historical context, the challenges we face today, and the possible solutions that could steer us back on course. Don’t miss this crucial exploration—watch the full video to understand what’s at stake and how we can make a difference.
News
Visit the Authoritarian Threat Index for insights into the current state of America. It’s real and it’s no zero!
The Authoritarian Threat Index, developed in partnership with the Authoritarian Warning Survey, provides an up-to-date assessment of the risks facing American democracy. Rated on a scale of 1 (healthy democracy) to 5 (total dictatorship), this index tracks key metrics like media treatment, civil liberties, elections, and rhetoric. With the U.S. currently at a 2.5—signaling significant threat—the index reveals ongoing dangers to democratic norms. Explore how expert evaluations highlight critical moments, from the January 6th insurrection to current election concerns, and learn how efforts to defend democracy continue.
In a compelling WSJ piece, Tom McClintock argues that while the January 6th Capitol riot was a national disgrace, President Biden’s claim that it nearly cost America its democracy is exaggerated. McClintock calls on Biden to urge his own party to respect democratic norms, just as the riot violated them. He challenges the notion that democracy’s survival was ever truly at risk, pointing instead to broader political concerns on both sides that undermine democratic principles. Read on for a deeper exploration of how both political extremes pose a threat to democracy.