Democracy

Related events, research, commentary, and analysis on the topic of democracy from the Council.

Hybrid EVENT

America's Place in the World: Global Volatility and Authoritarianism

A general view of the US Capitol on June 23, 2023.

Daniel Twining, Tamara Cofman Wittes, and Leslie Vinjamuri unpack how Republicans and Democrats see America's role in the world and how they want their country to engage in the world around them.

President Donald Trump disembarks Air Force One at Newark Liberty International Airport, New York seen in the background, Friday, Aug. 7, 2026, in Newark, N.J.

A Moment of Great Disruption

ANALYSIS by Leslie Vinjamuri

Demonstrators rally outside the White House to protest US military action in Iran

7 in 10 Americans Say Iran War Not Worth Fighting

RESEARCH Public Opinion Survey

Commentary

Protesters hold signs spelling out, "No War," outside the White House, Thursday June 20, 2019, in Washington, after President Donald Trump tweeted that "Iran made a very big mistake" by shooting down a U.S. surveillance drone over the Strait of Hormuz in Iran.

Will Public Opinion Pressure Lawmakers to Vote on Iran?

ANALYSIS by Dina Smeltz

A 60-day period allowing Trump to wage war without congressional approval expires May 1. How legislators respond could influence the midterms.

Trumpism and TikTok: The Factors Shaping Young Americans' Foreign Policy Views

ANALYSIS

Millennial and Generation Z Americans have come of age during a time of technological change, economic upheaval, and strategic overreach.

Far-right leader Marine Le Pen walks outside the courtroom during a short break in her appeals trial in Paris, on Jan. 20, 2026.

What a Le Pen Presidency Could Mean for France, Europe, and NATO

ANALYSIS by Ariane Tabatabai

Far-right National Rally party leader Marine Le Pen has joined the French presidential race. Her victory would spark a complete departure from French foreign policy under Macron.

Israeli lawmakers in the Israeli parliament, during a session considering a bill to dissolve the government in Jerusalem, Wednesday, May 20,2026.

What a Snap Election Could Mean for Israel and Netanyahu

ANALYSIS by Joel Braunold

Disputes within the Knesset over a military draft bill could prompt a change in Israel's leadership. What would it take to get there?

Upcoming Events

Hybrid EVENT

The State of American Opinion: The 2026 Chicago Council Survey

Voters cast their ballots at a polling station in Olbrich Gardens in Madison, WI on August 11, 2026.

John Lapinski and Dina Smeltz unpack what the results of the 2026 Chicago Council survey tell us about Americans’ foreign policy priorities heading into the midterms.