Let the people rule directly? It’s not always a good idea.
Drawing from recent research, a new book argues that the flurry of recent innovations for “direct democracy”—from recall referenda to plebiscites—despite positive potential, also pose new risks to democratic governance.
What’s wrong with a little dialogue?
The international community is trying to encourage the Venezuelan government and the opposition to sit down to a dialogue. But democratic dialogue requires commitment to principles, and the government has never shown—nor is showing now—any willingness to commit to those values.