In a world teeming with elections, political campaigns, and constitutional frameworks, one would imagine democracy to be thriving. Yet, the irony of our times is that while the external forms of democracy remain intact, its moral and psychological foundations are weakening. This foundational concern, political legitimacy, lies at the heart of political theory, but is … Read more
In the vast and complex mosaic that is India, democracy has not just been a political framework it has been a way of life. From the first general elections in 1951-52 to the most recent electoral exercises, India has repeatedly demonstrated its ability to hold together a diverse, multilingual, multi-religious population under one democratic roof. … Read more
“The machines are learning—fast. But are our democracies keeping up?” Democracy today stands at the crossroads of history and innovation. While technology once empowered democratic participation—bringing voices closer to the ballot, information to the citizen, and transparency to the corridors of power—it is now threatening to erode the very pillars it aimed to strengthen. The … Read more
Introduction: The Silent Revolution in Democracy The integration of women in political life is one of the most important but underrated modern-day revolutions. Women have demonstrated their ability to lead on numerous occasions, from suffrage campaigns to breaking the highest glass ceilings. Even though they are more numerous in democracies, they are under-represented in decision-making … Read more
“The ballot is stronger than the bullet.” – Abraham Lincoln The global climate crisis has far-reaching consequences beyond sea level rise and glacier melting. Climate change is no longer only an environmental issue; it has evolved into a complicated social, economic, and political disaster. Its impact on democracy, particularly election participation, is one of its … Read more
In contemporary political discourse, civil society is a term with dual meanings. First, it refers to social institutions like schools, churches, and peer groups that support and legitimize the state, aligning with Antonio Gramsci’s theory of civil society as a stabilizing force for capitalism. Second, civil society is understood as public interest organizations and social … Read more
The essence of democracy lies not merely in its procedural aspects—elections, legislatures, or constitutions—but in its enduring commitment to certain ideals. Among these, liberty, equality, and justice stand as the unshakable pillars upon which the edifice of democracy is built. These principles are not static; they are vibrant forces, constantly interacting, often clashing, and yet … Read more
In the rapidly evolving digital era, technology has played an important role in revolutionising worldwide electoral processes. The influence of technology on electoral changes, from increasing transparency to empowering citizens, cannot be emphasised. As democracies advance, the incorporation of technology promises to address long-standing issues while also opening up new prospects for equality and efficiency. … Read more