What Democracy Does … And Does Not Do

Abstract: This essay evaluates the real-world outcomes of democracy amid growing global democratic disillusionment. Drawing on extensive comparative research, the author argues that democracies generally foster longer lives, more education, greater peace, and sustained economic growth, though not always with consistent quality or speed. While autocracies sometimes achieve rapid gains, they also produce volatility, repression, and data manipulation. The essay highlights democracy's advantages in accountability, press freedom, and institutional checks, which collectively enhance societal well-being. The author concludes that, on balance, democracy offers the strongest odds for healthier, more stable, and prosperous societies.