Noted congressional scholar Thomas E. Mann spoke at Vanderbilt University Oct. 28, 2010, about the outlook for the 2010 midterm elections. The public lecture was sponsored by Vanderbilt's Center for the Study of Democratic Institutions. Mann, the W. Averell Harriman Chair and senior fellow in Governance Studies at The Brookings Institution, spoke five days before voters across the country cast ballots, addressing "The 2010 Midterm Elections: Driving Forces, Likely Outcomes, Possible Consequences." Mann recently co-authored The Broken Branch: How Congress Is Failing America and How to Get It Back on Track. The highly respected political scientist is interviewed frequently by national print and broadcast journalists about politics and governance issues. Mann's talk marks the official launch of the Center for the Study of Democratic Institutions, which is housed within Vanderbilt's Department of Political Science. The center was created to support empirical and theoretical research on questions central to the survival and flourishing of democratic institutions in the United States and abroad, according to David E. Lewis, professor of political science and co-director of the center. "Democratic institutions are the arenas in which political conflicts can be resolved peacefully," Lewis said. "This is especially important during the early part of the 21st century -- a time in which there is a tremendous amount of political upheaval, social change and international conflict <b>...</b>

vanderbilt university Thomas E. Mann 2010 election politics Vanderbilt University

Dr Binayak Sen speaks on the issue of state and non- state violence and about the democratic institutions in our country at the interaction in Mumbai July 27th 2009

Dr Binayak Sen Campaiagn Violence Maosits Human Rights Governance Democratic Institutions Kamayaninumerouno

Munizae Jahangir: US failed to build democratic institutions and now talks to the Taliban

Afghanistan Pakistan War Munizae Jahangir US failure democratic institutions Taliban The Real News

Yale World Fellow Maria Corina Machado was elected to the National Assembly of Venezuela on September 27, 2010. A co-founder of SUMATE, Venezuela's leading watchdog for electoral transparency, Machado dedicates herself to defending democratic institutions and civil liberties in Venezuela. Using the right granted by the new Bolivarian Constitution to call popular referendums, SUMATE successfully organized national petition-signing drives that reached more than a quarter of all registered voters in Venezuela. Prior to co-founding SUMATE, Machado founded and directed the Opportunitas Foundation, an NGO that provides support to children and youth from low-income families. She also founded Fundación Atenea, an NGO which managed a children's safe house. In thespirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations.)

United States USA America Venezuela English tedxyaleworldfellows Global Issues activism history politics social change inspirational tedx Talks

Dr José Ramos-Horta, President of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste on the development of democratic institutions, culture and practice in Timor-Leste and the broader challenges for democracy. Recorded at The Australian National University on 22 June 2010. After two years of peace and almost a decade since independence there is hope that the days of occupation, violence, disease and starvation have passed for the young country of Timor-Leste. Dr Ramos-Horta is the second President of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste since the country's restoration of independence in 2002. In 1996 he received a Nobel Peace Prize Peace for his efforts to bring peace and independence to East Timor. Dr Ramos-Horta has served as Prime Minister and Minster of Defence of his country, as well as Foreign Affairs Minister.

jose ramos-horta timor-leste east timor politics asia pacific democracy indonesia nobel peace prize llewellyn hall ANU The ANU canberra education president anuchannel

Corruption undermines democratic institutions by excluding citizens who refuse to pay public officials for preferential treatment. Corruption also distorts market economies by creating an uneven playing field that unfairly favors firms that pay bribes to do business. Ultimately, corruption prevents inclusive sustainable development by contributing to a system in which political and economic gains are based on favors rather than merit. Transparent decision-making promotes accountability in public officials and business leaders. That requires the same principled behavior of democratic governance. This video highlights clips from Greg Levedev, Boris Begovic, Judy Shelton, and Betty Maina at CIPE's Democracy that Delivers event. For more information, visit www.democracythatdelivers.org.

corruption bribery anti-corruption democracy that delivers Greg Lebedev Boris Begovic Judy Shelton Bet cipeforum

More at therealnews.com Leo Panitch part 1: Truly democratic institutions are needed to direct investment Sunday May 4th, 2008 As the US Federal Reserve once again cut interest rates on Wednesday in the hopes of stanching the economic bleeding in the US, The Real News Network senior editor Paul Jay sat down with economist Leo Panitch to discuss the causes of--and solutions to--the current economic crisis. Panitch says that the increase in the standard of living since the Reagan era has largely been fueled by growing debt and longer working hours, and suggests that the solution is to democratize economic institutions.

united states america economy george bush democracy consumer debt reagan federal reserve The Real News

In his book, "The Digital Origins of Dictatorship and Democracy," Dr. Phil Howard and his team, the Project on Information Technology and Political Islam, analyzed ways new information technologies contribute to democratic entrenchment or transition in countries with large Muslim populations. Globally, one in 10 Internet users is a Muslim living in a populous Muslim community. Often young and digitally savvy, these users spread information independently of governments and beyond manipulation by cultural and religious elites. Day-to-day civic discourse, not cyberterrorism, is the most important political aspect of the Internet in Muslim countries, the researchers found. They also found that the Internet is helping societies get better at running elections, providing civic services and exposing corruption. "Countries with high rates of technology diffusion are most likely to develop strong democratic institutions," Howard explained. "The recipe for democratization 50 years ago had other ingredients such as radio, television and newspapers. Today, the recipe must include the Internet." -Video by Sam Han, UW Department of Communication Originally posted at www.com.washington.edu on August 25, 2010

islam technology politics IT democracy uwcomm

The corrupt EU conitnues to ignore the democratic answer of the Irish, this is a prime example of the totalitarian and fascist EU that seeks to destroy every single nations independence. If the EU was so great it would allow each nation to have a referendum, because the EU is a fascist and totalitarian organisation that seeks to destroy democratic institutions, it will not allow referendums, and when a country has one, they ignore the will of the populace. THE IRISH HAVE SAID NO, RESPECT DEMOCRACY. ► European Parliament (Strasbourg) 16-18 June 2008. Reactions to the Irish No to the Lisbon Treaty. In order of appearance: - Hans-Gert Pöttering MEP, EPP-ED, President of the European Parliament (16.06.2008) - José Manuel Barroso, EU Commission President (13.06.2008; 18.06.2008; 10.07.2007) - Nigel Farage MEP, Co-President, Independence/Democracy Group (IND/DEM) (17-18.06.2008) - Martin Schulz MEP, President, PES Group (18.06.2008) - Margot Wallström, Commission Vice-President (18.06.2008) - Daniel Hannan MEP, non-attached (formerly EPP-ED) (18.06.2008) - Hanne Dahl MEP, IND/DEM Group (18.06.2008) - Kathy Sinnott MEP, Co-President, IND/DEM Group (18.06.2008) - Philip Bushill-Matthews MEP, EPP-ED (18.06.2008) - Poul Nyrup Rasmussen MEP, President of the Party of European Socialists (PES)(18.06.2008) - Tobias Pflüger MEP, European Left - GUE/NGL (18.06.2008) NOTE - The MEPs wearing the "Respect the Irish Vote" shirts are from various countries and from different groups <b>...</b>

EU European parliament Europe constitution lisbon treaty nigel farage freedom ron paul revolution obama totalitarian daniel hannan martin schulz joseph daul hans gert pottering irish ireland klaus ukinfo Warrior

"Only a tiny minority [of Christian Americans]...are comfortable with this darker vision of an intolerant, theocratic America. Unfortunately, it is this minority that is taking over the machinery of US state and religious institutions." Fascist Americans by Chris Hedges, p. 19. "The Bush administration has steadily diverted billions of dollars of taxpayer money from secular and governmental social-service organizations to faith-based organizations, bankrolling churches and organizations that seek to dismantle American democracy and create a theocratic state. . . the wall between church and state is being disassembled." p. 23. "The power brokers in the radical Christian Right have already moved from the fringes of society to the executive branch, the House of Representatives, the Senate and the courts." p. 22. "Faith-based organizations are consistently winning a larger portion of federal social-service funding, a trend that has tremendous social and political consequences if it continues." p. 24. "A group of religious utopians . . . are slowly dismantling democratic institutions to establish a religious tyranny, the springboard to an American fascism." p. 36. Re James D. Kennedy, "the drive to bring in new souls is also an open drive to broaden the political base of the movement and impose a theocracy." p. 70. "They've won the Congress and the presidency, and they're about to win the courts because of their Congress and the president. They've won state houses across the <b>...</b>

America's road to Fascism National Apostasy

Hosted by: Jiří Maštálka MEP (GUE-NGL, CZ) Guest Speaker: Grigore Petrenco (International Secretary of CPRM of Moldavia) Wednesday 9/6/10 , 14.00 EP Press Room PHS building, ground floor Following last July's elections in Moldova, the parties of the so-called "Alliance for the European Integration of Moldova" established a new government and the Party of Communists (PCRM) entered opposition. The parties of the Alliance had used slogans of change, democratization and European integration in the campaign but within a year of the elections, the statements continued while the undermining of democratic standards became an increasing reality in the everyday life of the country. The new government had begun an unprecedented process of undermining democratic institutions through the intimidation of media that questioned government policy, flagrant violations of the Constitution, human rights abuses, political persecution, widespread politically-motivated sackings and the limitation of the opposition's rights. With this press-conference, the organizers would like to briefly review the main violations committed by the government of Moldova, and their conclusions regarding the current political situation.

petrenco mastalka Undermining Moldovan democracy intimidation Guest Speaker: Grigore Petrence (International Secretary of CPRM Moldavia GUENGL

Debate on Democracy in Ukraine, House of Commons, Ottawa, Canada, 18 October 2011 (Демократія в Україні - обговорення на засіданні палати Громад Канадського Парламенту. Оттава, 18 жовтня 2011 року). Video courtesy of Parliament of Canada, House of Commons parlvu.parl.gc.ca - The constitution of Ukraine, the most important legal document in that country, states that everyone has the right to legal assistance. - Yulia Tymoshenko was denied judicial rights; deprived of basic rights. - We need to support Ukraine regardless of our origins. - Ukrainian Canadians are asking themselves "What can we do here in Canada?"; we cannot isolate Ukraine - Free trade agreement with Canada. - A thriving trading relationship is the best way to support human rights in Ukraine. - Amnesty International says the prosecution against Yulia Tymoshenko is politically motivated; politicization of the judicial system. - Yulia was the lightening rod in the Orange Revolution; not one person was injured; peaceful protest. - Executive branch and judicial branch must be separate; when voters elect a government they elect an opposition; Yanukovych is punishing the opposition for having different points of view; European Union (EU) you must respect democratic institutions. - The latest charges against Yulia Tymoshenko are groundless and absurd. - Former Prime Minister of Ukraine was sentenced on a bogus set of charges and this cannot be forgotten; If this position isn't reversed, Canada cannot back off <b>...</b>

Democracy Ukraine Canadian Government Ukraine Ukrainian Government Freedom Ukraine Human Rights Ukraine Rule of Law Ukraine Yulia Tymoshenko Viktor Yanukovych Vladimir Putin Ukraine Russian Imperialism Amnesty International Ukraine European Union Ukraine Ukrainian Diaspora Uke Tube

President Jose Ramos-Horta of Timor-Leste gives a press conference ahead of his speech at The Australian National University on 22 June 2010. President Ramos-Horta was at the University to deliver the annual Centre for Democratic Institutions lecture, which he did on the challenges for the future of democracy in Timor-Leste. The video of his lecture will be available at ANUchannel soon.

politics news ramos-horta ramos horta east timor timor-leste international relations pacific asia media ANU The ANU canberra education anuchannel

JUST RELEASED: ROBY'S NEW CD 'AN UNFASHIONABLE LOVE' AVAILABLE NOW ON ITUNES The Harper Song Words and music by John Roby Video recorded and edited by Scott Stephenson Steve Steve itʼs time to leave Itʼs time to close the Harper show Your one man band has got to go Time to take a long long walk in the snow Steve itʼs time to leave In the good old days we had democracy But now itʼs Steve-autocracy With a daily dose of hypocrisy Spewing from the PMO Thereʼs Odaʼs yes or no about a not And whereʼs the bill for all those jails you've bought It's called contempt and like it or not You've really got to go Steve Steve itʼs time to leave Itʼs time for this charade to end Youʼre running out of rules to bend You wonʼt get by with a little help from your friends Steve itʼs time to leave Remember all that campaign spin Transparency would soon begin Your in and out spending went out and in Where the sun donʼt shine Another slice of Harper sleaze A little thing called Detainees You close down the house whenever you please And you claim to have a spine Steve Steve itʼs time to leave Time to go screw something else Time to put your crown on the shelf Time to go and prorogue yourself Steve itʼs time to leave If you like this check out Project Democracy www.projectdemocracy.ca

Steve Harper Stephen Harper Stephen Leave one man band democracy disrespect contempt Parliament Canada Canadian Parliament of Canada House Commons House of Commons Democratic Institutions truth cost costs access information PMO Prime Minister's Office Steve-autocracy hypocrisy hypocrite hypocritical Oda prison spend spending charade end vote voting election campaign in and out Detainees prorogue John Roby John Roby The Song

More than ten thousand people have joined the demonstrations in Germany - seeking to draw attention to rampant corporate greed and the increasing poverty of the masses. The German Occupy movement has also made significant steps in legitimising itself - having earned the support of two major political factions. RT talks to one of the organizers of the event, Jutta Sundermann of the pro-equality 'Attac Germany' group RT on Twitter twitter.com RT on Facebook www.facebook.com

RT Rory Suchet Frankfurt Berlin Occupy Wall Street Occupy Europe Occupy momement protests greed society popular vote Eurocrisis Euro democratic institutions taxes Angela Markel tents Germany Russia Today

Prof Max Stearns gives a seminar to the UC Economics Departmet asking the question: is direct democracy anti-democratic? His answer - yes - is surprising, and his method of analysis new and distinctive. After surveying the arguments for and against direct democracy's institutions (referenda and citizen initiated plebiscites ), Prof Stearns argues for a new approach. He develops a novel methodological standard for comparing alternative institutions (using of a social choice framework to see which one of Arrow's axioms in his famous impossibility theorem is violated) Prof Stearn compares the institutions of representative legislatures, those of judicial decision making , and the institutions of direct democracy . On this yardstick direct democracy is much closer to the courts - ie anti democratic - than it is to representative legislature.

direct democracy public choice social choice law and economics democracy proudlydismal

Imran Khan Message to the Pakistani American community. It is your opportunity to help strengthen the democratic institutions. Only with your participation, we can help shape change. Become a Paying Member today at www.insaf.pk Contact us at (ptiusallc@gmail.com or social.media@insaf.pk) Only $10 a month"

imran khan pakistan usa youth justice democracy change hope students peace humanity education pti Ghazali

www.vot.org The denial of free speech in Tibet threatens the distinctive culture and the very existence of the Tibetan people. Chinese authorities are systematically eradicating the national identity of the Tibetans. One of the world's most ancient cultures is in danger of extinction. And time is running out... "Freedom of information is... the touchstone of all the freedoms" UN Freedom of Information Conference, 1948 Anyone reading these lines, is obviously in a privileged position of having access to the Internet and a wealth of information, even to tuning in to a large number of domestic and foreign stations. In Tibet where much of the population is illiterate and poor the power of radio is particularly obvious. Radio broadcasting is the main medium for mass information and education. In Tibet, the Chinese Communist government have monopoly control over the mass media, and with lack of an independent information source, the general public have no access to free information and total lack of a channel to voice their right to speech. As such, getting reliable information from an outside source is as critical for the survival of the Tibetans and its culture. The need for information makes Tibetans inside Tibet vulnerable for misinformation. In any country ruled by a totalitarian regime, media is strictly controlled by the State. Tibetans are daily subjected to misinformation and propaganda designed to control and manipulate in favor of the regime. On this background <b>...</b>

Voice of Tibet The Real China

Pakistan Association for Young leaders Development and Training in partnership with Youth Parliament of Pakistan feels immense pleasure to announce provincial Youth Assembly of Sindh, for year 2011-2012.The Assembly going to be the source of inculcating democratic culture in Pakistani Youth and to facilitate free Expression of their views. Pakistan Association for Young leaders Development & Training along with Youth parliament of Pakistan will pay the membership fee for those who can not afford, according to the criteria set by selection committee. Establishment of Provincial Youth assembly of Sindh is a part of Youth Parliament of Pakistan's focus on the youth of Pakistan and Youth's Awareness education and Training in the norms of politics and democracy, we strongly believe that sustainable democracy and sustainability of sound democratic institutions in Pakistan is not possible without Youth's Involvement in the democratic and political process of Pakistan. The major objectives of Provincial Youth Assembly of Sindh and YPP are to educate Pakistani Youth about Politics and democracy and to demonstrate to them that how national parliament's and Provincial Assemblies are able to do the following :- Make Legislations Debate matters of national and International concern Demand Accountability from those in Government Discuss legislation in committees

Youth Assembly Provisional Youth Assembly Youth Parliament Pakistani Youth Youth of Pakistan Future of Pakistan Next Generation of Pakistan PYA YPP Pakistan Youth Parliament pyassembly

Reno Omokri interviews Joe Trippi on the prospects for free and fair elections in Nigeria, the situation in Côte d'Ivoire and other issues relating to building democratic institutions in Africa. Watch out for a cameo appearance by Governor of California, Jerry Brown.

Build Up Nigeria Series Niger Pundit

Delivering quality aid is not just about giving the right amount; it's about giving it in the right way. Good aid needs to be targeted at the poorest people. It needs to be used for providing public services schools, hospitals, police forces, democratic institutions and promoting rights for women in developing countries. So, when aid is used to support developing country budgets, provided long-term and without unecessary strings attached, governments in developing countries can make effective plans to help the poorest people in their country. And that is aid that really can change lives. Join Oxfam's Health & Education For All Campaign: www.oxfam.org or Read more about how aid can work better: www.oxfam.org

poverty aid good aid health education health and education for all Oxfam donors oxfaminternational

After over 22 years of Civil war, South Sudan has started rebuilding. The United Nations Development Programme is helping to build democratic institutions and in promoting the Rule of law am help incorporate Human Rights into the prisons in this war torn land

Rule of Law South Sudan UNDP UN crisis prevention recovery prisons human rights

After over 22 years of Civil war, South Sudan has started rebuilding. The United Nations Development Programme is helping to build democratic institutions and in promoting the Rule of law in this war torn land

Rule of Law South Sudan UNDP UN Crisis Prevention Recovery

Documentary Highlights Work Of The Citizens Foundation Documentary "Against the Tide" produced by Newsline, presents the personal stories of four students from schools set up by The Citizens Foundation (TCF). The film provides an excellent overview of the history, philosophy and uniquely successful story of TCF. TCF is a professionally managed, not-for-profit, organization established in August 1995 in Karachi, Pakistan. It is one of Pakistan's leading organisations in the field of formal education. Schools are established in urban slums and rural areas. TCF schools serve all persons and communities on a completely non-discriminatory basis. TCF incorporates into its education mission the adage, Educate a boy and you educate one person. Educate a girl and you educate a nation. Female student representation in TCF schools is close to 50%. TCF inducts only female faculty staff and presently employs more than 1600 teachers and principals. This serves a twofold purpose: (1) promotes women employment and (2) encourages parents to send their daughters to school. The Foundation supports the concept that education is a basic human right and for democratic institutions to flourish and compete in the global economy, high quality education of its citizens is a prerequisite. Today, TCF has very dedicated groups of supporters in Pakistan, USA, Canada, UK, UAE and Bahrain who have established TCFs presence in their respective countries. Against the Tide and other videos on TCF schools <b>...</b>

Pakistan Education Literacy The Citizens Foundation Against Tide Muslim Children Zindagi Trust Edhi IDENTITYPAKISTAN

The OSCE's Office for Democratic Institutions and Human RIghts (ODIHR) held an event in Warsaw on 17 May 2011 to mark the Office's 20th anniversary.

ODIHR 20th anniversary celebration osce

Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani on Thursday said electoral victory of PPP's candidates in the recently concluded bye-polls reflects the people's faith in democracy and democratic institutions in the country. The Prime Minister expressed these views while talking to Nazir Ahmad Jatt, former MNA and uncle of recently elected MNA, Asghar Ali Jatt, who called on him at the PM's House.

burewala burewalanews nazir jatt

The pro-equality Occupy movement is quickly gathering pace in Germany, with fresh protests are now starting in the capital Berlin and the country's financial heartland of Frankfurt. Thousands are set to join the demonstrations - seeking to draw attention to rampant corporate greed and the increasing poverty of the masses. The German Occupy movement has also made significant steps in legitimising itself - having earned the support of two major political factions. RT discusses what the protesters hope to achieve today - and their chances of doing so - with one of the organizers. RT on Twitter twitter.com RT on Facebook www.facebook.com

RT Rory Suchet Frankfurt Berlin Max Bank greed society popular vote Eurocrisis Euro democratic institutions taxes Angela Markel tents Germany Russia Today

Daniel Hannan, Conservative MEP for South East England, critising the EU's continued involvement in sensitive local issues that should fall under the competences of local democratic institutions.

Daniel Hannan MEP Europe Lithuania Minors Euro EP Parliament Dan

Pakistan Association for Young leaders Development and Training in partnership with Youth Parliament of Pakistan feels immense pleasure to announce provincial Youth Assembly of Sindh, for year 2011-2012.The Assembly going to be the source of inculcating democratic culture in Pakistani Youth and to facilitate free Expression of their views. Pakistan Association for Young leaders Development & Training along with Youth parliament of Pakistan will pay the membership fee for those who can not afford, according to the criteria set by selection committee. Establishment of Provincial Youth assembly of Sindh is a part of Youth Parliament of Pakistan's focus on the youth of Pakistan and Youth's Awareness education and Training in the norms of politics and democracy, we strongly believe that sustainable democracy and sustainability of sound democratic institutions in Pakistan is not possible without Youth's Involvement in the democratic and political process of Pakistan. The major objectives of Provincial Youth Assembly of Sindh and YPP are to educate Pakistani Youth about Politics and democracy and to demonstrate to them that how national parliament's and Provincial Assemblies are able to do the following :- Make Legislations Debate matters of national and International concern Demand Accountability from those in Government Discuss legislation in committees

Youth Assembly Provisional Youth Assembly Youth Parliament Pakistani Youth Youth of Pakistan Future of Pakistan Next Generation of Pakistan pyassembly

I usually look upon our government with a combination of amusement and contempt... but our current government is the first one to actually scare me. While people around the world are rising up, aspiring to democracy, Prime Minister Stephen Harper has been quietly dismantling the machinery of our democratic institutions, to the point of actually being held in contempt of Parliament -- an historic and shameful precedent in Canadian history. Well, it's election time again, and I decided to fight back the best way I know how: with the Awesome Power of Disco. Take a listen, send this to everyone you know, and get out and vote, dammit!

L'Etat C'est Moi captaindownbeat

Sunday, November 6, 2011 Teach-in by Prof. Emanuele Saccarelli, SDSU entitled: "Democracy and Socialism" The lecture explained how the democratic aspirations of working people would be met in the process of reorganizing society along socialist lines. A few crucial historical experiences, including the Paris Commune of 1871 and the Russian Revolutions of 1905 and 1917 will be examined. The 'Commune'and the 'Soviets' represented new forms and institutions of democratic rule and representation which were developed by working people in their struggle for equality. The lecture also discusses the contemporary significance of these institutions with particular reference to the failure of the nominal'democracy' that exists today as well as the challenges confronting the 'Occupy' movement. Professor Saccarelli is the faculty adviser for International Student for Social Equality, the student organization for Socialist Equality Party (SEP) and International Committee of the Fourth International (ICFI).

Socialism Trotskism Marxism SDSU Occupy San Diego OSD OWS anticapitalism San Diego State University OSDEDU