Thirteen scholars and world leaders reflect upon the significance of democracy as a system of government and its consequences both within individual countries and internationally. The book is divided into four parts. The Democratic Prospect offers broad-ranging global assessments of the recent history and the future prospects of democracy. Transitions to Democracy focuses on three specific cases of democratic transition: the United States in the late 18th century, Portugal in the 1970s and Central Europe after 1989. Beyond and Below the Nation deals with democracy at different levels in terms of scale. Religions, Morality and Belief examines perennial problems that confront all democratic societies, whether they are newly emerging or established. conclude, democracy faces new threats from ethnic conflict, the stresses of a globalized economy and a spiritual weariness evident within some older democratic societies.