On October 19, 2024, an article titled “<Understanding Democracy from Scratch> One-Point Lesson” featuring an interview with Professor Maiko Ichihara of the Graduate School of Law was published on Wedge ONLINE. In this article, Professor Ichihara discusses the concept of democracy, the current state of democracy from a historical perspective, and what is needed to protect and reform it. She begins by noting that one of the factors behind the current “crisis of democracy” is the significant erosion of “civil liberties.” While the world today often highlights a confrontation between democracy and authoritarianism, she argues that we must also focus on issues inherent in democratic systems and values themselves. Finally, Professor Ichihara refers to the weakening of social capital, and says to safeguard democracy, it is essential to communicate in-person and start with small, everyday actions, such as proposing and advocating for what one believes to be right, without being constrained by conventional approaches.

https://wedge.ismedia.jp/articles/-/35431?layout=b