According to the research, these threats undermine the structure and foundations:
01
Social and Political Polarization
Which Impedes Dialogue and Partnership
Social and political processes leading to radicalization are characterized by rigid, one-dimensional worldviews, intolerance toward differing positions, and the perception of political or ideological opponents as threats or enemies. This social and political polarization – and the perception of conflicting interests between groups – makes it difficult for different segments of society to engage in constructive dialogue and reach agreements that advance the common good.
Civic Education for Democracy as a Response:
Fostering exposure to a variety of worldviews and the understanding that every group has the right to maintain its unique identity, provided it does not infringe upon fundamental democratic values or the rights of others.
Providing the skills and commitment necessary to resolve intergroup disputes through agreements aimed at promoting the common good.
Building resilience against the exploitation of societal rifts for political gain.
02
Social and Political Polarization
Which Impedes Dialogue and Partnership
Social and political processes leading to radicalization are characterized by rigid, one-dimensional worldviews, intolerance toward differing positions, and the perception of political or ideological opponents as threats or enemies. This social and political polarization – and the perception of conflicting interests between groups – makes it difficult for different segments of society to engage in constructive dialogue and reach agreements that advance the common good.
Civic Education for Democracy as a Response:
Fostering exposure to a variety of worldviews and the understanding that every group has the right to maintain its unique identity, provided it does not infringe upon fundamental democratic values or the rights of others.
Providing the skills and commitment necessary to resolve intergroup disputes through agreements aimed at promoting the common good.
Building resilience against the exploitation of societal rifts for political gain.
04
Loss of Trust in Institutions
Which Undermines the Legitimacy of Rules and Agreements
The erosion of public trust in state institutions stems from their perceived inability to address contemporary global crises effectively. When institutions are viewed as weak, divided, or unresponsive to citizens' needs – particularly the younger generation – this leads to widespread apathy, alienation, and withdrawal from political life.
Civic Education for Democracy as a Response:
Cultivating engaged citizens who understand the impact of political decisions on their lives, the importance of upholding democratic principles to ensure justice, security, and welfare for all, and the dangers inherent in alternative forms of government.
Fostering citizens who understand their role within the democratic covenant and take action to hold authorities accountable, reform flawed mechanisms, and resist harm to the public interest.
05
False Information
Which Obscures Truth, Increases Chaos, and Creates Confusion and Uncertainty
The expansion of social media, along with the power and characteristics of commercial algorithms that disseminate information, has resulted in an information overload for the public, including unreliable or misleading sources, disinformation, misinformation, and political propaganda. This creates echo chambers in which people are exposed only to views similar to their own, forming a distorted and biased perception of social and political discourse.
Civic Education for Democracy as a Response:
Developing media literacy: providing the tools to assess information reliability and consume high-quality content from a variety of sources.
Leveraging social networks to foster constructive political dialogue.
Building resilience against media propaganda and deception.
06
Socioeconomic Inequality
Which Weakens the Sense of Belonging and Justice
The rising trend of economic inequality in developed countries, including Israel, leads many – especially those in the lower half of the income distribution – to believe that the liberal-democratic system does not serve them, but instead rewards a privileged elite. This phenomenon deepens the crisis of trust in democratic institutions, polarization, and xenophobia. Unlike other threats, civic education cannot provide a direct response to this crisis. The solution lies in equality-promoting public policy, which civic education – by fostering a democratic culture committed to socioeconomic equality – may indirectly influence in the long term.
Civic Education for Democracy as a Response:
Unlike other threats, civic education cannot directly resolve this crisis; the solution lies in reducing inequality. However, by strengthening a democratic culture committed to socioeconomic rights and equality, it is possible to influence policies that promote equality in society and the state over the long term.
03
Racism and Hate Speech
Which Harm Human Dignity and the Shared Public Space
The increasing spread of racism and hate speech, manifesting in discrimination, exclusion, or violent attacks against individuals based on their identity or group affiliation.
A growing indifference toward the violation of the rights of other social groups.
Civic Education for Democracy as a Response
Instilling a values-based commitment to protecting the rights and dignity of every individual in both personal and public-political spaces, and developing the capacity to identify racism and hate speech and take action when encountering them.
Threats to the Israeli Democratic Home
Cracks in the Home
For Israeli democratic culture to withstand crises and threats and remain stable, vibrant, and on common ground despite turbulence, it requires a home with strong foundations, supporting walls, and open doors.