Philanthropy and Democracy
Democracy is the name for a system of government in which laws, policies and leadership are decided by the people, or at least those who claim to represent them. Its etymology is derived from the Greek words demos (“people”) and kratos (“rule”). It has become synonymous with a particular political system that first emerged in certain tribes of hunter-gatherers, and later in the 6th century BCE in the city-state of Athens.
In modern times, democracy has been a rallying cry against dictatorships and totalitarianism. It has also evoked some of humanity’s most enduring expressions of courage and intellect, from Pericles in ancient Athens to Vaclav Havel in modern Czechoslovakia.
But today, the idea of democracy is more often defined in negative terms. Freedom from arbitrary actions by a personality cult or the rule of a nomenklatura is the central message, but it doesn’t address what democracy can actually achieve or the social forces that support it.
A healthy democracy is built on a balance or compromise between different forces. Economic modernization must be tempered with attachment to traditional beliefs, for example. And there is no real democracy so long as some groups feel that progress necessitates the loss of their status or identity.
In addition, a democracy must ensure that all citizens can participate freely and fairly in society, both individually and collectively. This means that citizens must be able to discuss ideas with other members of their community, join associations and interest groups, and express their views publicly. This is called the right to freedom of opinion and expression (UDHR Article 19), and it is essential if the people are to take part in their government.
Finally, a democratic society must be fair to all its members, whether rich or poor, white or black, or male or female. This is a fundamental principle of democracy that should guide all decisions, including those about what kind of economy to pursue and how to distribute power.
Philanthropists have a critical role to play in building strong, vibrant democracies. They can help to bolster the “people” aspect of democracy by bringing more people into the political process. They can strengthen the “power” element by making it more responsive to people’s desires. And they can help to overcome the vicious cycle of polarization that is drowning American democracy.
But in order to do this, philanthropists must focus on what we know is working. They need to increase their investments in programs that empower marginalized communities to be effective democracy participants. They need to be more aware of the costs and barriers to participation, so they can adjust their strategies to meet those challenges. They need to invest more in the digital tools that make it easier for people of all ages and backgrounds to engage in political discussion and debate, especially those in rural and minority communities. And they need to address the core issues of racial justice, such as police brutality and criminal justice reform, rather than treating these problems as separate from the larger issue of democracy itself.
Democracy is the name for a system of government in which laws, policies and leadership are decided by the people, or at least those who claim to represent them. Its etymology is derived from the Greek words demos (“people”) and kratos (“rule”). It has become synonymous with a particular political system that first emerged in certain tribes of hunter-gatherers, and later in the 6th century BCE in the city-state of Athens. In modern times, democracy has been a rallying cry against dictatorships and totalitarianism. It has also evoked some of humanity’s most enduring expressions of courage and intellect, from Pericles in ancient Athens to Vaclav Havel in modern Czechoslovakia. But today, the idea of democracy is more often defined in negative terms. Freedom from arbitrary actions by a personality cult or the rule of a nomenklatura is the central message, but it doesn’t address what democracy can actually achieve or the social forces that support it. A healthy democracy is built on a balance or compromise between different forces. Economic modernization must be tempered with attachment to traditional beliefs, for example. And there is no real democracy so long as some groups feel that progress necessitates the loss of their status or identity. In addition, a democracy must ensure that all citizens can participate freely and fairly in society, both individually and collectively. This means that citizens must be able to discuss ideas with other members of their community, join associations and interest groups, and express their views publicly. This is called the right to freedom of opinion and expression (UDHR Article 19), and it is essential if the people are to take part in their government. Finally, a democratic society must be fair to all its members, whether rich or poor, white or black, or male or female. This is a fundamental principle of democracy that should guide all decisions, including those about what kind of economy to pursue and how to distribute power. Philanthropists have a critical role to play in building strong, vibrant democracies. They can help to bolster the “people” aspect of democracy by bringing more people into the political process. They can strengthen the “power” element by making it more responsive to people’s desires. And they can help to overcome the vicious cycle of polarization that is drowning American democracy. But in order to do this, philanthropists must focus on what we know is working. They need to increase their investments in programs that empower marginalized communities to be effective democracy participants. They need to be more aware of the costs and barriers to participation, so they can adjust their strategies to meet those challenges. They need to invest more in the digital tools that make it easier for people of all ages and backgrounds to engage in political discussion and debate, especially those in rural and minority communities. And they need to address the core issues of racial justice, such as police brutality and criminal justice reform, rather than treating these problems as separate from the larger issue of democracy itself.