State of Belief
If Hungary Can Do It...: Reversing Democracy’s Decline with Staffan Lindberg
What does democracy truly mean in 2026, and how can we ensure its survival? What hope can the recent election in Hungary offer for reversing the slide of democracy in the US and elsewhere? Host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush talks with Dr. Staffan I. Lindberg, founder of the Varieties of Democracy Institute, about V-Dem’s latest global report titled, Unraveling the Democratic Era?
The report raises crucial questions about the future of democratic governance. It underscores the importance of understanding both the successes and failures of democratic systems, prompting a reevaluation of what democracy means in different contexts.
Key takeaways include:
- Democracy is Multifaceted: The state of democracy varies significantly across different nations, and understanding local contexts is crucial for promoting democratic values.
- Engagement is Essential: Electoral participation and civic engagement are critical in challenging authoritarian regimes.
- Concession Matters: Accepting electoral defeat is a vital component of maintaining democratic integrity.
Transcript
"What Can I Do?" Skye Perryman's New Book Answers the Question
The president of Democracy Forward joins Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush to unpack the calls to effective action in her new book, "Ordinary People, Extraordinary Times: How to Reclaim Your Power, Fight for Freedom, and Reimagine Democracy"
