Democracy, Politics, and Human Rights

Democracy is a political system which assures the people (the demos, in Greek) sovereignty, by reserving the power or authority (cracy) of the state in the hands of the citizens. In the words of the French Constitution, article 2, it concerns “government of the people, by the people and for the people.” While this is an ideal that is widely subscribed to by modern states in their constitutions, this course highlights democracy’s backsliding in the real political world. We also discuss the meanings of formal and substantive democracy, liberal and illiberal democracy, social democracy, and more. We consider whether the human rights-based approach, which is used by the United Nations, can help promote democratic practices. This course will be recorded. Students will have access to videos for 30 days.