Global democracy is in decline. In the past twenty years, we have witnessed the rise of authoritarianism and populism. Democratic backsliding is eroding our democratic institutions built upon checks and balances that guard against favors for some at the expense of others.

Life is a complex, multidimensional puzzle. We live as individuals in relationships and communities. Polarities in values and worldviews are pieces of this puzzle that can divide us or bring us together. Unpuzzling these pieces can lead to personal, social, and community unity.

My project, Unpuzzling Life's Complexities, explores the loss of liberal values where they once had popular support. In this open-access, nonlinear book of essays, I invite you to learn about the reasons for our polar divisions and democracy’s loss.

Click on the Puzzle modules below to open lists of Topics and related essays that "unpuzzle" the complexities of life, piece by piece. Use the search tool (magnifying glass) to find keywords that match your interests in essays.

This project is a work in progress, so sign up for my newsletter for new unpuzzling essays as they are published.