The Vitality of Democracy

A reflection on the current state of and challenges to British democracy.

In The Vitality of Democracy, British-German politician Gisela Stuart argues for the urgency of expanded participation in the democratic process and considers the risks democracy currently faces. Although democracy is rife with difficult choices, she shows that if the people do not appreciate what makes this system work, they risk losing it. While no individual holds the answers, democracy allows for power to change hands, giving opportunities for different sides to have a chance at improving government for all.

Stuart reflects on challenges to British democracy since the mid-2010s. With the United Kingdom exiting the European Union and facing an overwhelming pandemic, restrictions to civil liberties were imposed that may have been unimaginable in the past. It is time to pause and reflect on the serious challenges currently posed to democracy and to the ability of the people to take part.