Chapter 3: A System-Analysis of Democracy's Crisis

Democracy is in crisis. Evidence supports at least 16 explanations, many of which are linked in complex ways. Some of these explanations are likely to appeal more to the political left, center, or right. Instead of choosing one factor as the “root cause” and counting on any party or ideological movement to solve democracy's crisis alone, we must understand the situation as a system of interlocking factors that should be addressed by different movements and organizations. Fortunately, American citizens and groups are already committed to tackling many of the threats. This article's system-map is meant to help organize and inspire such action.