October 2013

Around the world politics is in disrepute. It has become detached from society, unresponsive to its needs. It seems incapable of solving the big economic, social and environmental challenges of our time. Public leadership remains important, but politics is everywhere discredited. In Western societies, politics no longer inspires, cynicism rules, and citizens feel powerless. In post-communist societies, initial enthusiasm for democracy has given way to detachment and cynicism. Citizens feel powerless. In emerging democracies, citizenship is fragile, institutions are weak, and corruption abounds. Citizens feel powerless. This is a global problem.