Democracy and its discontents

Growing research shows democracy is "deconsolidating" - i.e. more and more people, especially the young, do not look at democracy in a favourable light

In 2005, Ali Erdogan, president of the small Turkish community in Wan gen bei Olten municipality of northern Switzerland, thought it would be a good idea to have a modest, 20-foot high, minaret in the cultural centre. To his surprise, though, the locals protested, showing reservations — some obliquely claimed the minaret would curtail their view; others more directly objected to an out-and-out Islamic symbol. Under pressure, the local planning authorities denied permission. However, Mr Erdogan persisted and the matter was settled in his favour by the Federal Supreme Court. A minaret did come up. But this small victory for