People all over the world want to build futures for their families in free and open societies. This aspiration includes the desire to have basic human rights, participate in fair elections, practice one's religion, speak freely on public issues, and be certain that an impartial court system will decide violations of the law. In this journal we focus on several key components of genuine democracies and the experiences of various nations in fashioning the form of democracy that suits their cultures, protects minority populations, and helps all citizens fulfill their aspirations.

Ellen Hume, journalist and communications professor, draws on her experience conducting journalism and democracy workshops throughout the United States and in Ethiopia, Russia, Bosnia, Poland, and the Czech Republic to highlight the vital role of a free press.

Economist Ian Vásquez identifies the importance of economic freedom and its ability to counterbalance political power and nourish a pluralistic society. Vásquez presents evidence that in countries with the freest economies, citizens also enjoy comparatively high standards of living, and he discusses the interplay between the rule of law and economic freedom.

In a short interview, prize-winning Peruvian economist Hernando de Soto discusses the importance of a strong system of property rights to a democratic society.

Political science professor Ted G. Jelen describes the importance of respecting religious diversity and the rights of religious minorities. Jelen writes that even the perception of religious discrimination has negative effects on successful diplomacy and healthy democratic practices.

Professor and author Ralph Ketcham writes about the responsibilities of citizens in a free society.

Lastly, U.S. District Court Judge Vicki Miles-LaGrange relates the fundamental precepts of the American judicial system and describes her participation in a groundbreaking judicial reform project in Rwanda.

As democracy spreads throughout the world, nations in transition will look to existing democracies for guidance. They must keep in mind that there is no simple model and that no one framework is applicable in its entirety to all countries. Some of the topics we've explored—how democracies respect the differences within their populations, the importance of a fair judicial process, economic freedom, and a free press—are, however, critical factors in any democratic society. We invite readers to continue their exploration of this dynamic subject by visiting the links included in the resources section. We hope this journal will provide insights and provoke discussion about the foundations of democracy that Americans hold dear.

The Editors