"Setting the Stage
The Heartbeat of Democracy in the Engagement Era"
1. Why here, why now
"Many forms of Government have been tried and will be tried in this world of sin and woe. No one pretends that democracy is perfect or all-wise. Indeed, it has been said that democracy is the worst form of Government except for all those other forms that have been tried from time to time." – Winston Churchill
Welcome to the Engagement Era.
In the present climate, with news cycles roaring at an unparalleled speed and issues rising with a fervor that demands attention, it can be difficult to find a moment of reflection. However, it is in these very moments of introspection that we find the essence of democracy. Not in the loudness of our debates, but in the shared understanding that we all have a role to play in shaping the destiny of our nation.
Engagement Era isn't just another newsletter. It's a deep dive into the complexities, the challenges, and the beacons of hope in modern American democracy. In each edition, we'll explore the intricacies of the democratic process, highlighting not only the challenges but also the triumphs of civic participation. From the grassroots movements taking the streets to advocate for change to the legislative nuances that shape the course of our nation, we'll journey through it all.
This newsletter seeks to serve as a baseline. A place to digest and discuss information free of the rapid-fire nature of modern news media.
Whether you are a political scientist, a student, or someone simply looking to understand our nation a bit better, this space is for you.
2. Who am I?
My fellow citizens, I’m Drew Cagle, the man behind the curtain of the Engagement Era. Born in the South, I’ve always been interested in the mechanisms that make our democracy tick, and sometimes, stall. My journey began in earnest in college, where spirited debates, mock congressional simulations, and research into the psychology of politics transformed me from an interested observer to a devoted participant.
Over the years, my passion for democracy and civic responsibility has taken me to the state capital for mock government and meetings with legislators, local community events, and town halls to tackle civic issues, and to graduate school, where I obtained a Ph.D. in American Politics and Political Behavior. It was in my dissertation research, where I found that partisans are more than willing to forgo democracy so long as they win, that convinced me that everyone has a duty to act in the interest of civic responsibility.
Beyond my own personal experiences and education, I firmly believe that the key to progress and change lies not within the hallowed halls of Congress, but within the hearts and minds of our fellow people. I have seen firsthand the power of individual votes and the transformative power that community activism can have.
And yet, despite these lofty ideals, American democracy faces significant challenges today. Whether it is radical partisans who refuse to hold bad actors accountable, state assemblies that rob individuals of their right to vote through gerrymandering, or a violent assault on our very seat of government, American democracy is under threat.
At the same time, academics have been sounding the alarm bells about these perils for years. However, they have, largely, failed to reach the public.
That realization brought me here, to the Engagement Era. It’s my way of coalescing my thoughts, inviting deliberation and debate, promoting civic participation, and disseminating scientific findings to a broader audience
I hope that as we embark on this journey, my perspective—shaped by personal experience, education, and research, adds value to your understanding of the democratic fabric of our nation.
3. Why Democracy, Civics, and the Challenges We Face?
For many, the word 'democracy' might conjure images of the ballot box, town hall meetings, or even the iconic facade of the U.S. Capitol. But those are really just things, the window dressings of a country in the process. Democracy is so much more than these symbols. It’s the underlying spirit of a nation, the collective voice of its people, and the processes, rules, and norms that ensure this voice remains heard and respected.
At its core, democracy is about representation, about having the ability and the right to be heard. It's about knowing that, no matter who we are or where we started, we all have an equal stake, and an equal responsibility, to influence the direction of our nation.
If democracy is the landscape, then civics is the roadmap we use to navigate. Civics provides us with the basic, foundational knowledge for how our government operates, the rights and liberties we possess, and how our finite resources and public goods are distributed. An understanding of civics helps us hold on to the ideal of democracy as we wade through the mess that is bureaucratic governance.
Despite having the key to the lock, so to speak, our system is not immune from challenges. The spread of misinformation, the inflammation of partisan tensions, and the influence of external actors on our elections are just a sampling of the incidents we see playing out daily in our news media.
FDR once said, “Democracy cannot succeed unless those who express their choice are prepared to choose wisely.” Recognizing and understanding these challenges helps us prepare to face them as our best selves. Democracy does not maintain itself, the balance is always shifting, and the temptation to devolve into authoritarian government is ever-present. We must act in democracy’s defense.
4. So, what comes next?
Over the next few weeks, I will launch into a deep review of democracy and civics. We’ll explore the current challenges to democratic nations and figure out how we arrived here. Once we’re all on the same page, subsequent issues will focus on my insights into what I perceive to be challenges to American democracy.
Given that I am a political scientist who eats, sleeps, and breathes politics, it’s safe to say I’ll write from that perspective most of the time. But I will also do my best to provide a unique perspective applicable to everyone.
I will also try to tie in public-facing scholarship from myself and others. By breaking down complex academic information, we can better understand just what all those fancy research articles are telling us.
Every month, you can expect deep dives, polls, statistics, and firsthand accounts on these topics and more. My aim is to both educate and motivate, by stimulating discussion I hope to impress upon each of you the importance of making your voice heard, while also underscoring the fragility of democratic government. Your feedback, questions, and insights will be invaluable as we navigate these waters together.
5. Until next time…
As we finish the introductory edition of the Engagement Era, I want to leave you with something to think about. Democracy is not just a method of governing. It’s more than just electing representatives, more than voting, and more than free speech. Democracy is a living thing, a spirit that is given life by the active participation of its citizens. Democracy does not live by its own account; We have a collective responsibility to protect it.
If there is one thing I could tell you, it’s this: your voice matters. No matter who you are or what state you live in, you can still be an active and engaged citizen in this democratic experiment.
I hope you’ve found something valuable here, and I encourage you to always reach out with questions, feedback, comments, or concerns. I also eagerly accept suggestions for future issues or ideas for other work.
Remember, democracy is a collective endeavor, and it thrives the more we all work together.
Until next time,
Drew S. Cagle, Ph.D.
P.S. Do consider sharing the Engagement Era with friends, family, or colleagues who might also appreciate our exploration of democracy and civics. Let's grow this community of engaged citizens!