Democracy Index 2012

Consider the case of Egypt in the summer of 2013: When citizens and military, religious and civic leaders unite to remove an elected government, is that a blow to democracy or a step toward greater democratic legitimacy? The Economist Intelligence Unit’s report provides a helpful overview of democracy and accountability in 165 independent states and two territories, as well as profound and subtle thinking about the meaning and function of democracy. This analysis is a useful reference, and getAbstract recommends that those affected by (or shaping) public policy should keep a copy close at hand in these turbulent times.