Coronavirus and Democracy (Berlin Family Lectures)

Renowned political thinker Danielle Allen presents a book that serves as a critical guide for addressing the current challenges we face and also as a thought-provoking examination of the future of democracy. The COVID-19 pandemic has showcased the strengths of our society, particularly in the rapid development of vaccines. However, it has also laid bare significant weaknesses, such as the government's failure to swiftly implement effective outbreak tracing and containment strategies, as well as widespread public distrust fueled by conflicting guidance on mask-wearing. The devastating loss of over half a million lives and the widespread economic turmoil could have been avoided if the government had been prepared with comprehensive and adaptable policies to halt the disease's spread. In "Democracy in the Time of Coronavirus," Danielle Allen dissects the successes and failures of the US government's response to COVID-19 and proposes a plan for building a more resilient democratic system capable of effectively tackling not only the current pandemic but also future crises. Drawing from historical examples, Allen highlights the challenges that democracies have faced in times requiring strong government intervention. Spanning from ancient Greece to the present day, she advocates for the efficacy of collaborative federalism over authoritarian coercion and emphasizes the unifying force of a common cause. However, for democracy to persevere, active citizen participation is crucial. It is imperative that we commit to a just and equitable social contract and lend our support to good governance.

product information: