TED Talks Daily 3 ways to upgrade democracy for the 21st century | Max Rashbrooke
Jan 20, 2021
Max Rashbrooke, a writer and researcher focused on democracy, discusses how to modernize political engagement. He highlights the crisis in representative democracy and the growing disconnect between citizens and politicians. Rashbrooke shares three innovative approaches—from Citizens' Assemblies in Canada to participatory budgeting in Taiwan—that empower everyday people in decision-making. His insights demand a rethink of how we engage in democracy, ensuring it adapts to today's challenges and fosters genuine participation.
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Crisis of Representative Democracy
- Modern democracies face a crisis of representation, causing disillusionment and low voter turnout.
- People desire more decision-making power and engagement in political processes.
Everyday Democracy
- Everyday democracy aims to involve citizens more frequently in political decisions, not just during elections.
- This approach seeks to bring democracy closer to people's lives and increase their sense of participation.
Citizens' Assemblies
- Citizens' Assemblies gather representative citizens to discuss crucial public issues and provide recommendations.
- These assemblies have been used in Canada for mental health plans and in Melbourne for financial planning.