Watch What is Democracy?

What is Democracy? is a compelling and thought-provoking documentary directed by Astra Taylor in 2018. The film delves into the complex concept of democracy and investigates its history, meaning and practice worldwide. The movie features interviews with a diverse range of theorists, historians, activists, and everyday people from around the globe who share their perspectives on what democracy means to them and how it works in their societies.

The movie starts with a powerful speech from Cornel West explaining that democracy is not only a political system but is also a social and cultural reality that emerges from our collective struggles. This sets the tone for the rest of the movie, which aims to challenge our preconceived notions of democracy and to explore its many dimensions.

Throughout the film, Astra Taylor takes us on a journey across the globe, visiting countries such as Greece, the United States, and Mexico, among others. In Greece, she explores the birthplace of democracy and its rich history, from its origins in ancient Athens to its modern-day struggles with austerity and economic inequality. In the United States, she investigates the challenges and limitations of the American democratic system and the impact of corporate power on politics. In Mexico, she examines how grassroots movements are fighting for democracy and social justice in the face of corruption and state violence.

Along the way, the movie features interviews with a wide range of experts and activists, including Silvia Federici, Wendy Brown, Angela Davis, and Eleni Perdikouri, among others. These people share their insights and experiences on issues such as feminism, race, immigration, climate change, and economic inequality and how these are intertwined with democracy.

One of the central themes of the movie is the tension between democracy's promise of inclusivity and equality and its reality of exclusion and inequality. The movie challenges us to confront the many ways in which democracy falls short and how we can work to create a more just and equitable society.

Overall, What is Democracy? is a powerful and insightful documentary that provides a comprehensive exploration of democracy and its complexities. It is a must-see for anyone interested in politics, social justice, and the future of our society.

What is Democracy? is a 2018 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 47 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.7 and a MetaScore of 71.