The surrounding world is changing.Uncertainty is the only certain thing projected.The Western Civilization is moving from the 20th century orderly and stable Modernity to the chaotic and unstable reality of the 21st c...The surrounding world is changing.Uncertainty is the only certain thing projected.The Western Civilization is moving from the 20th century orderly and stable Modernity to the chaotic and unstable reality of the 21st century.Technology is galloping fast and high,society moves from poverty to prosperity,from scarcity to affluent and democracy celebrates it becoming the dominant form of government.However,while everything around is shaking,democracy,in principle,remained stable and unchanged,similar to its theoretical model.Many youngsters dislike such an old-fashioned system.It is pronounced by decreasing participation in general election,by increasing the importance and effects of the social networks and by the growing number of varieties of minority groups.The author suggests several amendments and for updating democracy and make it suitable for the Digital Era’s requirements.Among the proposed adjustments are:Introducing and legitimizing Referendums,expanding E-government activities and creating a government based on a Grand-Coalition,composed of the two largest parties,instead of the coalition-opposition traditional set up.For by-passing bureaucracy,a permanent channel of exceptional committees should be established.Bureaucracy must be revitalized to be more human-oriented and customer-friendly.The article ends with proposing a practical course for implementation.展开更多
Given that preaching is the primary mode of public theological discourse for most Christian ministers, an intellectual virtue of verbal restraint is required when practicing public theology and it is wise to address t...Given that preaching is the primary mode of public theological discourse for most Christian ministers, an intellectual virtue of verbal restraint is required when practicing public theology and it is wise to address the ways that homilies can shepherd public discourse practices. A theology of rhetoric includes the homilist＇s moral purpose. Homilies either enhance public discourse or pervert it. This essay sketches a pattern of sermon movement that respects the logic operative in public theology, given the social context of America. Homilies can help cultivate the pastoral care of public rhetoric by modeling discourse that nurtures the politics of accountability. While many call for a public ethos where divergent moral voices engage each other in highly contested arenas, a precondition to practicing effective public theology requires that one exercises discourse in a way that respects the social limits on the free exercise of religion. It is important that a public theology of rhetoric clarifies the original social agreement for acceptable religious discourse in the public arena. Homiletics, as a dimension of practical theology, can teach preachers methods of pastoral care for public discourse. The social agreement in liberal democracies to contain the combative nature of religious discourse assumes a logic that is circumscribed by commitments to （1） religious pluralism, （2） theological agnosticism, and （3） epistemological pragmatism. Here we propose that a sermon＇s form, which implicitly touches upon these commitments, can tap into the basic modes of persuasion in secular liberal societies. This respects the moral purposes previously agreed upon and expected of partisans during highly contestable times. This calls for incarnational humility on the part of the Christian public theologian and it guides her/his practice.展开更多
More than 200 scholars,researchers,former government o!cials and party leaders from over 50 countries gathered in the sprawling building of the Chinese Academy of History in Beijing on 20 March for the third Internati...More than 200 scholars,researchers,former government o!cials and party leaders from over 50 countries gathered in the sprawling building of the Chinese Academy of History in Beijing on 20 March for the third International Forum on Democracy:The Shared Human Values.The forum debated the concept of democracy,its trajectories and prospects,and,more importantly,how it can be made to work and deliver tangible results for di"erent countries.展开更多
《农村与城市——威胁民主的鸿沟日益扩大》Rural Versus Urban:The Growing Divide That Threatens Democracy By Suzanne Mettler,Trevor E.Brown Published by Princeton University Press(2025.9.23)该书是一部关于美国城乡政治裂...《农村与城市——威胁民主的鸿沟日益扩大》Rural Versus Urban:The Growing Divide That Threatens Democracy By Suzanne Mettler,Trevor E.Brown Published by Princeton University Press(2025.9.23)该书是一部关于美国城乡政治裂痕的重要著作。展开更多
The trajectory of democratic transition in Africa has been marred by optimism in the post-cold war period,but it has taken a new turn in recent years with surge in autocracies and a remarkable resurgence of abrupt unc...The trajectory of democratic transition in Africa has been marred by optimism in the post-cold war period,but it has taken a new turn in recent years with surge in autocracies and a remarkable resurgence of abrupt unconstitutional seizures of power in recent years in sub-Saharan Africa.This is well manifested in the Horn of Africa,as the process of democratic transition has largely retrogressed and stalled at the best,particularly in the case of South Sudan.Despite this bumpy road to democratic transition,there is a dearth of understanding of the drivers stalling democratic transition in South Sudan.This necessitates a better analysis of these drivers and to put South Sudan on a sustainable path toward democratic transition.This paper is an attempt to provide evidence-driven understanding of democratic transitions in South Sudan.The paper adopts a multidisciplinary framework of various theoretical approaches for analyzing the democratic transition in South Sudan.Based on hybrid research methods and a thorough analysis that is grounded on the political economy approach,the paper shows that the path toward democratic transitions in South Sudan has been constrained by a web of intertwined political,economic,and security challenges that inhibit the conduct of the first general elections in the youngest country of South Sudan.Some of these challenges include the fallacy of power-sharing peace agreement,kleptocratic economic governance,and politicized and ethnicitized security sector.As a microcosm of the Horn of Africa,the case study of South Sudan provides some implications and practical recommendations for governing better the democratic transitions in the region.Some of these recommendations include adoption of a realistic and regionally-centered mediation strategy,considering other options beyond power-sharing formula for managing the post-conflict political transitions,considering more credible sunset clause besides the conduct of elections for ending the political transitions,and more involvement of civil society in all phases of peace agreements,particularly the monitoring and oversight mechanisms.展开更多
Americans have always been proud of their democratic system. Since the end of World War Ⅱ, the United States has even used its democratic system as a template to “democratize” some other countries. However, in rece...Americans have always been proud of their democratic system. Since the end of World War Ⅱ, the United States has even used its democratic system as a template to “democratize” some other countries. However, in recent years, the domestic democratic chaos in the United States has intensified, causing widespread doubts about the American political system and its democratic model.展开更多
This study examines the impact of political polarization on youth engagement in Brazil,focusing on the intersection of historical legacies,cultural dynamics,and modern political influences.Tracing the evolution of pol...This study examines the impact of political polarization on youth engagement in Brazil,focusing on the intersection of historical legacies,cultural dynamics,and modern political influences.Tracing the evolution of polarization from the military dictatorship era to contemporary politics under Jair Bolsonaro,the study explores how polarized rhetoric,misinformation,and digital media have reshaped the political landscape for young Brazilians.Data for the study were collected through a survey of 159 college students aged 18-25 from public and private institutions across Brazil,complemented by 10 interviews with youth activists and party leaders from the Workers’Party(PT)and the Liberal Party(PL).These methods aimed to evaluate how polarization affects young people’s beliefs,political identities,behaviors,engagement levels,and ability to participate in constructive political discourse.The findings reveal that while polarization fosters hostility and deepens ideological divides,it also inspires youth activism by creating a sense of identity and belonging.Education,digital information channels,and the lack of representation in leadership roles emerge as key factors shaping youth engagement.Despite challenges,the research underscores hope:young Brazilians display resilience,critical awareness,and a shared desire for accountability and inclusivity.This study highlights the potential of youth to bridge divides and lead Brazil toward a more collaborative and democratic future.展开更多
Namibia’s democratic and peaceful transition of power since its independence in 1990 has positioned it as a model for political stability in Africa.This article explores the key factors that have contributed to Nami...Namibia’s democratic and peaceful transition of power since its independence in 1990 has positioned it as a model for political stability in Africa.This article explores the key factors that have contributed to Namibia’s transitions,focusing on the institutional,political,and cultural elements that have underpinned democratic processes.By examining historical milestones,such as the successful 1990 independence elections,the 2005,2015 and 2025 presidential transitions,and the country’s consistent adherence to constitutional principles,this research highlights the role of strong democratic institutions,political tolerance,and active participation of civil society.The article also addresses the significance of leadership and the political culture that foster trust in democratic institutions.Furthermore,it assesses the role of regional and international support in reinforcing Namibia’s democratic processes.By comparing Namibia’s experience with other African nations facing transitions of power,the article offers insights into broader implications for governance,democratic consolidation,and stability in the African context.The article analyses Namibia’s experience in light of similar transitions in Africa,identifying key factors that promote a peaceful transfer of power in the aftermath of an expected presidential demise.The findings aim to contribute to the understanding of successful democratic transitions and provide a blueprint for other nations striving for peaceful power of changes.Ultimately,this work offers valuable insights into the dynamics of democratic resilience in Namibia and highlights important lessons for other African nations confronting leadership transitions.展开更多
On 18 December 2024,Liu Hongcai,Vice-President of CAFIU met with Seiji Yamamoto,Director General of the Broad National Alliance for Independence,Peace and Democracy of Japan.The two sides exchanged views on China-Japa...On 18 December 2024,Liu Hongcai,Vice-President of CAFIU met with Seiji Yamamoto,Director General of the Broad National Alliance for Independence,Peace and Democracy of Japan.The two sides exchanged views on China-Japan relations,people-to-people exchanges and cooperation between the two organisations.展开更多
Whole-process people’s democracy embodies profound human rights implications.As a new theoretical paradigm of socialist democracy with Chinese characteristics,it adheres to the value concept of respecting and protect...Whole-process people’s democracy embodies profound human rights implications.As a new theoretical paradigm of socialist democracy with Chinese characteristics,it adheres to the value concept of respecting and protecting human rights,which has been consistently upheld by the Communist Party of China(CPC)and the Chinese government.Whole-process people’s democracy follows the rights discourse of“the people always being present,”ensuring the realization of democracy in its broadest,most genuine,and most effective form.As a scientifically sound and effective new institutional form of socialist democracy,whole-process people’s democracy centers on ensuring that the people are the masters of the country,constructs a comprehensive,extensive,and coordinated national and social governance system,and better safeguards the people’s rights through broad democratic consultations.As a new practical model of socialist democracy in concrete reality,it highlights the people’s principal position in all aspects and stages of national political and social life from the dimensions of ontology,epistemology,and methodology,thereby promoting the people-centered contemporary Chinese outlook on human rights.The realization of its human rights implications hinges on effective legal guarantees.Strengthening the rule of law is key to fully realizing its human rights implications and advancing the comprehensive development of human rights.展开更多
The tragic human who emerged as a democratic individual in both the public and private spheres during the brilliant era of Athenian democracy in the fifth century B.C.,and who was simultaneously brought to prominence ...The tragic human who emerged as a democratic individual in both the public and private spheres during the brilliant era of Athenian democracy in the fifth century B.C.,and who was simultaneously brought to prominence and shaped by ancient Greek poetry and philosophy,is today strikingly absent from the Western world.The nihilism that characterizes central educational practice not only obstructs the formation of such a figure but even prevents its very imaginative conception.I maintain that the thought of two major 20th-century philosophers,Kostas Papaioannou and Cornelius Castoriadis,contributes decisively to understanding the significance of the historical creation of the tragic and democratic human as a priority of pedagogical,political,ethical,and aesthetic concern.Moreover,I argue that their thought also serves another crucial purpose.At a time when the value of self-limitation is being systematically discredited and when one-dimensional certainties and hegemonic narratives dominate,undermining any disposition toward collective self-institution and rendering Western societies vulnerable to forms of domination,the thought of Papaioannou and Castoriadis enables us to envision a way out of this condition.It also allows us to understand that such an exit is by no means an easy undertaking,yet it is not impossible,provided that the Western human proves capable of re-creating,with prudence,the necessity of the presence of the tragic human.展开更多
On 12 March 2025,the Exchange Event“Reading China in Cambodia”under the Action Plan on Silk Road People-to-People Connectivity was held at the Cambodia 21st Century Maritime Silk Road Research Centre of the Royal Un...On 12 March 2025,the Exchange Event“Reading China in Cambodia”under the Action Plan on Silk Road People-to-People Connectivity was held at the Cambodia 21st Century Maritime Silk Road Research Centre of the Royal University of Phnom Penh(RUPP).Through sharing their views and cases,participants jointly discussed upon the rich connotation of the whole-process democracy of China.展开更多
The challenges that lay ahead for democracy are so serious that few political scientists have the courage to risk theirreputation and pin down with relative accuracy what will happen on a 5/10/15 year basis. As a matt...The challenges that lay ahead for democracy are so serious that few political scientists have the courage to risk theirreputation and pin down with relative accuracy what will happen on a 5/10/15 year basis. As a matter of fact, whenthe term ＂democracy＂ and ＂enemy＂ is used in the same sentence there＇s a natural and immediate tendency---forthose who are lucky enough to live in electoral democracies---to look over the fence and not to our own backyard.That is to say, democracy＇s enemies, our enemies, are some sort of mythological creatures that live far away fi＇omour perfect democratic bubble. This reasoning can be in part seen in the on-going debate about democracy＇sstruggle against its external enemies. During the Cold War period democracy was at ＂war＂ with communism and,before that, with national-socialism and fascism. Currently, democracy faces new enemies： global authoritarianism,international terrorism, religious extremism, and Islamic fundamentalism. This thoughtfulness is only partly true.At least it＇s not the only reason why we are debating this matter today. According to this paper, and that＇s preciselypart of the problem, democracy is to some extent its own worst enemy. Why？ Because most of the issues that we＇redebating today are the result of a certain apathy and disentanglement of liberal democracies around the world in thelast decade.展开更多
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is honored as the most typical novel of American literature after the Civil War. This story unveils the hypocrisy of religion and scoffs at the conventional social principle. Affecte...The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is honored as the most typical novel of American literature after the Civil War. This story unveils the hypocrisy of religion and scoffs at the conventional social principle. Affected by the deep-rooted racial discrimination, Huck pays little respect to the black slaves as other white people do at first. After embarking on the raft with Jim together, he has got the chance to know more about what the black slave truly is. He never stops struggling inside, and eventually Jim's kindness and loyalty helps Huck to waken humanity in his heart and defeat his moral conflict. Therefore through the deepened analysis of the plot and the author, the reasons for the change of Huck's morality can boil down to social conventions, Huck's complicated character, and moreover the democratic ideal of Twain.展开更多
文摘The surrounding world is changing.Uncertainty is the only certain thing projected.The Western Civilization is moving from the 20th century orderly and stable Modernity to the chaotic and unstable reality of the 21st century.Technology is galloping fast and high,society moves from poverty to prosperity,from scarcity to affluent and democracy celebrates it becoming the dominant form of government.However,while everything around is shaking,democracy,in principle,remained stable and unchanged,similar to its theoretical model.Many youngsters dislike such an old-fashioned system.It is pronounced by decreasing participation in general election,by increasing the importance and effects of the social networks and by the growing number of varieties of minority groups.The author suggests several amendments and for updating democracy and make it suitable for the Digital Era’s requirements.Among the proposed adjustments are:Introducing and legitimizing Referendums,expanding E-government activities and creating a government based on a Grand-Coalition,composed of the two largest parties,instead of the coalition-opposition traditional set up.For by-passing bureaucracy,a permanent channel of exceptional committees should be established.Bureaucracy must be revitalized to be more human-oriented and customer-friendly.The article ends with proposing a practical course for implementation.
文摘Given that preaching is the primary mode of public theological discourse for most Christian ministers, an intellectual virtue of verbal restraint is required when practicing public theology and it is wise to address the ways that homilies can shepherd public discourse practices. A theology of rhetoric includes the homilist＇s moral purpose. Homilies either enhance public discourse or pervert it. This essay sketches a pattern of sermon movement that respects the logic operative in public theology, given the social context of America. Homilies can help cultivate the pastoral care of public rhetoric by modeling discourse that nurtures the politics of accountability. While many call for a public ethos where divergent moral voices engage each other in highly contested arenas, a precondition to practicing effective public theology requires that one exercises discourse in a way that respects the social limits on the free exercise of religion. It is important that a public theology of rhetoric clarifies the original social agreement for acceptable religious discourse in the public arena. Homiletics, as a dimension of practical theology, can teach preachers methods of pastoral care for public discourse. The social agreement in liberal democracies to contain the combative nature of religious discourse assumes a logic that is circumscribed by commitments to （1） religious pluralism, （2） theological agnosticism, and （3） epistemological pragmatism. Here we propose that a sermon＇s form, which implicitly touches upon these commitments, can tap into the basic modes of persuasion in secular liberal societies. This respects the moral purposes previously agreed upon and expected of partisans during highly contestable times. This calls for incarnational humility on the part of the Christian public theologian and it guides her/his practice.
文摘More than 200 scholars,researchers,former government o!cials and party leaders from over 50 countries gathered in the sprawling building of the Chinese Academy of History in Beijing on 20 March for the third International Forum on Democracy:The Shared Human Values.The forum debated the concept of democracy,its trajectories and prospects,and,more importantly,how it can be made to work and deliver tangible results for di"erent countries.
文摘《农村与城市——威胁民主的鸿沟日益扩大》Rural Versus Urban:The Growing Divide That Threatens Democracy By Suzanne Mettler,Trevor E.Brown Published by Princeton University Press(2025.9.23)该书是一部关于美国城乡政治裂痕的重要著作。
基金This paper is largely based on the chapter entitled“Governing Political Transition in South Sudan:The Anatomy of Elusive Quest for Democratic Transition”prepared for the Good Governance Africa-Horn of Africa(GGA-HARO)for a Book Project Entitled Governing Political Transitions in the Horn of Africa.
文摘The trajectory of democratic transition in Africa has been marred by optimism in the post-cold war period,but it has taken a new turn in recent years with surge in autocracies and a remarkable resurgence of abrupt unconstitutional seizures of power in recent years in sub-Saharan Africa.This is well manifested in the Horn of Africa,as the process of democratic transition has largely retrogressed and stalled at the best,particularly in the case of South Sudan.Despite this bumpy road to democratic transition,there is a dearth of understanding of the drivers stalling democratic transition in South Sudan.This necessitates a better analysis of these drivers and to put South Sudan on a sustainable path toward democratic transition.This paper is an attempt to provide evidence-driven understanding of democratic transitions in South Sudan.The paper adopts a multidisciplinary framework of various theoretical approaches for analyzing the democratic transition in South Sudan.Based on hybrid research methods and a thorough analysis that is grounded on the political economy approach,the paper shows that the path toward democratic transitions in South Sudan has been constrained by a web of intertwined political,economic,and security challenges that inhibit the conduct of the first general elections in the youngest country of South Sudan.Some of these challenges include the fallacy of power-sharing peace agreement,kleptocratic economic governance,and politicized and ethnicitized security sector.As a microcosm of the Horn of Africa,the case study of South Sudan provides some implications and practical recommendations for governing better the democratic transitions in the region.Some of these recommendations include adoption of a realistic and regionally-centered mediation strategy,considering other options beyond power-sharing formula for managing the post-conflict political transitions,considering more credible sunset clause besides the conduct of elections for ending the political transitions,and more involvement of civil society in all phases of peace agreements,particularly the monitoring and oversight mechanisms.
文摘Americans have always been proud of their democratic system. Since the end of World War Ⅱ, the United States has even used its democratic system as a template to “democratize” some other countries. However, in recent years, the domestic democratic chaos in the United States has intensified, causing widespread doubts about the American political system and its democratic model.
文摘This study examines the impact of political polarization on youth engagement in Brazil,focusing on the intersection of historical legacies,cultural dynamics,and modern political influences.Tracing the evolution of polarization from the military dictatorship era to contemporary politics under Jair Bolsonaro,the study explores how polarized rhetoric,misinformation,and digital media have reshaped the political landscape for young Brazilians.Data for the study were collected through a survey of 159 college students aged 18-25 from public and private institutions across Brazil,complemented by 10 interviews with youth activists and party leaders from the Workers’Party(PT)and the Liberal Party(PL).These methods aimed to evaluate how polarization affects young people’s beliefs,political identities,behaviors,engagement levels,and ability to participate in constructive political discourse.The findings reveal that while polarization fosters hostility and deepens ideological divides,it also inspires youth activism by creating a sense of identity and belonging.Education,digital information channels,and the lack of representation in leadership roles emerge as key factors shaping youth engagement.Despite challenges,the research underscores hope:young Brazilians display resilience,critical awareness,and a shared desire for accountability and inclusivity.This study highlights the potential of youth to bridge divides and lead Brazil toward a more collaborative and democratic future.
文摘Namibia’s democratic and peaceful transition of power since its independence in 1990 has positioned it as a model for political stability in Africa.This article explores the key factors that have contributed to Namibia’s transitions,focusing on the institutional,political,and cultural elements that have underpinned democratic processes.By examining historical milestones,such as the successful 1990 independence elections,the 2005,2015 and 2025 presidential transitions,and the country’s consistent adherence to constitutional principles,this research highlights the role of strong democratic institutions,political tolerance,and active participation of civil society.The article also addresses the significance of leadership and the political culture that foster trust in democratic institutions.Furthermore,it assesses the role of regional and international support in reinforcing Namibia’s democratic processes.By comparing Namibia’s experience with other African nations facing transitions of power,the article offers insights into broader implications for governance,democratic consolidation,and stability in the African context.The article analyses Namibia’s experience in light of similar transitions in Africa,identifying key factors that promote a peaceful transfer of power in the aftermath of an expected presidential demise.The findings aim to contribute to the understanding of successful democratic transitions and provide a blueprint for other nations striving for peaceful power of changes.Ultimately,this work offers valuable insights into the dynamics of democratic resilience in Namibia and highlights important lessons for other African nations confronting leadership transitions.
文摘On 18 December 2024,Liu Hongcai,Vice-President of CAFIU met with Seiji Yamamoto,Director General of the Broad National Alliance for Independence,Peace and Democracy of Japan.The two sides exchanged views on China-Japan relations,people-to-people exchanges and cooperation between the two organisations.
基金“Research on the Construction of the Rule of Law Guarantee System for Whole-process People’s Democracy”(Project Approval Number 22JZD017)a Major Project on Philosophy and Social Science Research funded by the Ministry of Education of China+1 种基金“Research on Guangdong’s Practice of Whole-process People’s Democracy Through Legal Means by People’s Congresses”(Project Approval Number GD23WTA01)a project of the Guangdong Planning Office of Philosophy and Social Science.
文摘Whole-process people’s democracy embodies profound human rights implications.As a new theoretical paradigm of socialist democracy with Chinese characteristics,it adheres to the value concept of respecting and protecting human rights,which has been consistently upheld by the Communist Party of China(CPC)and the Chinese government.Whole-process people’s democracy follows the rights discourse of“the people always being present,”ensuring the realization of democracy in its broadest,most genuine,and most effective form.As a scientifically sound and effective new institutional form of socialist democracy,whole-process people’s democracy centers on ensuring that the people are the masters of the country,constructs a comprehensive,extensive,and coordinated national and social governance system,and better safeguards the people’s rights through broad democratic consultations.As a new practical model of socialist democracy in concrete reality,it highlights the people’s principal position in all aspects and stages of national political and social life from the dimensions of ontology,epistemology,and methodology,thereby promoting the people-centered contemporary Chinese outlook on human rights.The realization of its human rights implications hinges on effective legal guarantees.Strengthening the rule of law is key to fully realizing its human rights implications and advancing the comprehensive development of human rights.
文摘The tragic human who emerged as a democratic individual in both the public and private spheres during the brilliant era of Athenian democracy in the fifth century B.C.,and who was simultaneously brought to prominence and shaped by ancient Greek poetry and philosophy,is today strikingly absent from the Western world.The nihilism that characterizes central educational practice not only obstructs the formation of such a figure but even prevents its very imaginative conception.I maintain that the thought of two major 20th-century philosophers,Kostas Papaioannou and Cornelius Castoriadis,contributes decisively to understanding the significance of the historical creation of the tragic and democratic human as a priority of pedagogical,political,ethical,and aesthetic concern.Moreover,I argue that their thought also serves another crucial purpose.At a time when the value of self-limitation is being systematically discredited and when one-dimensional certainties and hegemonic narratives dominate,undermining any disposition toward collective self-institution and rendering Western societies vulnerable to forms of domination,the thought of Papaioannou and Castoriadis enables us to envision a way out of this condition.It also allows us to understand that such an exit is by no means an easy undertaking,yet it is not impossible,provided that the Western human proves capable of re-creating,with prudence,the necessity of the presence of the tragic human.
文摘On 12 March 2025,the Exchange Event“Reading China in Cambodia”under the Action Plan on Silk Road People-to-People Connectivity was held at the Cambodia 21st Century Maritime Silk Road Research Centre of the Royal University of Phnom Penh(RUPP).Through sharing their views and cases,participants jointly discussed upon the rich connotation of the whole-process democracy of China.
文摘The challenges that lay ahead for democracy are so serious that few political scientists have the courage to risk theirreputation and pin down with relative accuracy what will happen on a 5/10/15 year basis. As a matter of fact, whenthe term ＂democracy＂ and ＂enemy＂ is used in the same sentence there＇s a natural and immediate tendency---forthose who are lucky enough to live in electoral democracies---to look over the fence and not to our own backyard.That is to say, democracy＇s enemies, our enemies, are some sort of mythological creatures that live far away fi＇omour perfect democratic bubble. This reasoning can be in part seen in the on-going debate about democracy＇sstruggle against its external enemies. During the Cold War period democracy was at ＂war＂ with communism and,before that, with national-socialism and fascism. Currently, democracy faces new enemies： global authoritarianism,international terrorism, religious extremism, and Islamic fundamentalism. This thoughtfulness is only partly true.At least it＇s not the only reason why we are debating this matter today. According to this paper, and that＇s preciselypart of the problem, democracy is to some extent its own worst enemy. Why？ Because most of the issues that we＇redebating today are the result of a certain apathy and disentanglement of liberal democracies around the world in thelast decade.
文摘The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is honored as the most typical novel of American literature after the Civil War. This story unveils the hypocrisy of religion and scoffs at the conventional social principle. Affected by the deep-rooted racial discrimination, Huck pays little respect to the black slaves as other white people do at first. After embarking on the raft with Jim together, he has got the chance to know more about what the black slave truly is. He never stops struggling inside, and eventually Jim's kindness and loyalty helps Huck to waken humanity in his heart and defeat his moral conflict. Therefore through the deepened analysis of the plot and the author, the reasons for the change of Huck's morality can boil down to social conventions, Huck's complicated character, and moreover the democratic ideal of Twain.
