Democracy is in trouble. In the US, 85% think it needs major or complete reform. Spain, S Korea and Italy have even higher levels of dissatisfaction. Many argue the system has created a highly divisive and potentially violent culture, with wild claims, undeliverable promises and leaders of little or sometimes no experience trying to run highly complex economies.
Is the current form of liberal democracy fundamentally flawed? Could it be reformed by constraining demagogues, or electing individuals for longer periods, or by limiting the influence of political parties? Could we require ministers to have expertise, and voters to be sufficiently informed? Or is it time to stop whingeing and recognise western democracy as a marvel of enlightenment principles that should be nurtured rather than abandonded or reformed?