Amy Swiffen articles

Amy Swiffen writes for Democracy Chronicles from her home in Canada. She is a Professor of Sociology at Concordia University in Montreal.

How Blockchain-Based Voting Could Save Democracy

By Amy Swiffen - October 18, 2018 1 Comment

Fair and tamper-free elections are perhaps the primary way a political system can be “inclusive”, and this can be enhanced using a blockchain system. Yet, it is precisely why blockchain voting might encounter resistance.

A Democratic Monarchy Or An Ancient Unnecessary Institution?

By Paul Narraway

The UK is not unique in having a Monarchy but its history and function does have a degree of uniqueness about it, certainly within Europe. Its function, compilation and place within British society and culture has changed over the years.

Podcast: A Playbook for Organizing in Turbulent Times

By Jenna Spinelle

20 years ago, Srdja Popovic was part of a revolution — literally. He was a founding member of the Otpor! movement that ousted Serbia Slobodan Milsovic from power in 1999.

Farmers Ask 21 Questions: Are You Listening?

By Lynn S. Kahn, Ph.D.

The impact of mega-farms on rural economies and our natural environment is generally horrible. The impact on generations of family farmers is devastating.

Podcast: What does the Mueller report mean for democracy?

By Jenna Spinelle

Listen to the interview with Laura Rosenberger By now, you’ve no doubt head all about the report

Thoughts On Trump Pardoning US Soldier Michael Behenna

By M D Mitchell

My perspective is admittedly biased. I too was an officer serving in the U.S. Army, and I too served in Iraq. In 2004-2005, and again in 2010-2011.

World’s First Psychedelics Research Center For Mental Health

By David Anderson, J.D.

A welcome breakthrough in the field of mental health has been this month’s opening of the world’s first Center for Psychedelic Research at Imperial College London.

Analysis of Tomorrow’s General Election In South Africa

By Farai Chirimumimba

It had been difficult to forecast how transformational South Africa’s presidency would be 25 years after independence. When South Africans go to the polls tomorrow, the mood will be very different.

Podcast: A Brief History of “People Power”

By Jenna Spinelle

In his book, “Can Democracy Work? A Short History of a Radical Idea from Ancient Athens to Our World,” James Miller encapsulates 2500 years of democracy history into about 250 pages.

Coming To Theatres Across America: Indian Election Results, Live

When lights dim at around 9:30 pm US central time, audience at cinema hall Minneapolis, will be hit with six to eight news channels airing election results.

Turkish Rights Group Turns to Art to Represent the ‘Disappeared’

The hope of organizers of an Istanbul exhibition is to keep up the pressure to find those who vanished and ultimately to hold accountable those responsible.

Actress Priyanka Chopra Promotes Refugee Education on Ethiopia Visit

Chopra is a goodwill ambassador for the UN children’s agency. She spoke with Associated Press after visiting a school for refugees from neighboring Sudan.

The Man Behind the Morehouse College Surprise

Robert Smith shocked the students at the historically black, all-male Morehouse College Sunday when he announced pay off student debts of all 400 graduates.

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