Democracy

2024 is an extraordinary year for democracy. Nearly half the world's population live in countries that will hold a national election this year, and two billion people are expected to head to the polls. It's inspiring, thrilling - yet democracy is also under threat. While some voters can anticipate real change, others face sham elections and leaders poised to overthrow the basic principles of open society.Here, ten women - politicians, philosophers, historians, writers, activists - reflect on democracy's power to uplift our societies, its strengths and vulnerabilities, sharing a vision for free expression and a better future for the next generation of voters.

2024 is a year of elections - thrilling, unpredictable elections. But will it be remembered as a year of democracy? That is in the balance. ... democracy cannot be limited to a campaign, a vote, a victory speech. It is a process - or, to be more precise, a series of processes that go to the heart of what a society really is ... it depends on our shared understandings and on our commitment to making it work

Featuring writing by Elif Shafak, Lea Ypi, Lola Shoneyin, Aditi MIttal, Yuan Yang, Erica Bremmer, Adela Raz, Kaja Kallas, Vjosa Osmani, Juliet Riddell and more.