New Books in Political Science Democracy and Its Inter-Connections
Jan 22, 2026
Laura Chinchilla, the former President of Costa Rica and a prominent political scientist, delves into the urgent challenges facing democracy today. She discusses the interconnected threats of disinformation and eroding institutions while emphasizing the pivotal role of youth in defending democratic values. Highlighting the importance of education and civic engagement, Chinchilla advocates for women's leadership qualities and the need for international cooperation. Her optimism about younger generations showcases their potential to rejuvenate democracy and drive positive change.
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Family Sparked Public-Service Path
- Laura Chinchilla credits her father’s public-service work combating corruption for inspiring her political career.
- His focus on efficient, honest use of public resources shaped her decision to enter public service.
Overlapping Crises Increase Democratic Strain
- Chinchilla identifies overlapping crises (inequality, disinformation, social media) as creating unusually intense pressure on democracies.
- She observes a new leadership trend that seeks to dismantle democratic pillars rather than solve problems.
Populist Scripts Repeat Across Countries
- Chinchilla finds similar trajectories in democratic backsliding: leaders exploit public frustration to build authoritarian projects.
- She notes the script these leaders follow is strikingly similar across many countries.