Freedom and responsibility

Over time, we’ve allowed the public boundary between peaceful protest, civil disobedience, criminal coercion and terrorism to become increasingly blurred. Restoring that boundary is no longer simply a matter of criminal law; it’s becoming a question of democratic resilience.

Civic patriotism strengthens our democracy

Liberal democracies therefore have a strategic interest in cultivating a confident civic patriotism that strengthens social cohesion, reinforces institutional legitimacy and supports national resilience.

Whatever happened to Parliament?

There is growing concern across the world about democratic backsliding – the erosion of democratic institutions and civil liberties – so is Australia a surviving beacon of hope, or are we also part of the problem as governments of all parties continue to undermine the constitutional role of Parliament as a legislative and oversight body.

Führerdemokratie

Demagogues, despots and a strange new kind of Russian-style despotism with thoroughly 21st-century characteristics are gaining traction around the world and getting the upper hand.

Defending democracy

Despite the welcome defeat of Hungary’s Victor Orban, democracy is under threat and in decline around the world and Australia is not immune from the challenges it faces, so what can be done to revitalise its appeal?

The dire state of global democracy

The collapse of Soviet communism seemed to herald a new age of democracy across the world, but a global resurgence in authoritarianism means democracy is at its lowest ebb around the planet since 1978.

A crisis of truth and meaning

We find ourselves in the midst of a crisis of truth. Trust in public institutions of knowledge are at an all-time low, and blatant liars are drawing political support around the world. It seems we collectively have ceased to care about the truth.

The deep roots of democracy

The ancient Greeks invented democracy – and warned us how it could go horribly wrong.

Could it happen here?

The threats to democracy in the USA are a global issue, and the differences in our media and political systems won’t limit their impact in Australia forever.

Democratic security

In an era where even Australia’s democratic system faces significant challenges, “democratic security” is an increasingly pertinent issue.

The Federal experiment

The formation of modern Australia was a striking incarnation of modern social organisation in combining liberal democracy with carefully planned bureaucracy.

Get the party started

The history of Australia’s political parties is both fascinating and turbulent, but a political system dominated by mass parties shaped by industrial society may now be a thing of the past.