Democracy and its Challenges
Democracy and its Challenges

Summary/Abstract: I have chosen to talk about a subject which is not directly related to my abiding interest in 1989 and the consequences of 1989, for I do believe it was a crucial point in the recent history of the world, and a crucial point in the history of liberty, a subject which arises both for those who are living in post-communist countries and for those who have been more fortunate at least in the years since the Second World War, the subject of democracy and its challenges. And my theme is not altogether optimistic today, although I shall, as it is proper, and with a few hints, add answers to the ques­tions which I want to raise and discuss. Democracy is never safe for good. Indeed the open society is not. And even more liberty needs guardians at all times, and often needs to be defended by those who believe in it. 1989 in my book was the beginning of history and not the end, and since it was the beginning of history it is no surprise that democracy rather than being established for good all over the world is once again challenged.

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