The subject of countless articles, punditry and speeches throughout the world, the idea that democracy itself could well be in a state of decline has become a hot topic.  The sinews that hold prosperous Western societies together appear more atrophied that at any time in recent memory. One of the last people we would expect to address the subject so directly nevertheless delivered something of a broadside in a New York speech last week.  When George W. Bush ascended the rostrum it had become an event since he had spoken so little in recent years.  Expectations for a dynamic delivery weren't high given his aw shucks style.  He was a former president dealing with a darkened legacy and it couldn't have been easy for him. Two minutes into the presentation it became clear that something unusual was transpiring as the audience sat riveted to what they were hearing.  It wasn't just because of the way Bush challenged Trump's leadership – which in itself was newsworthy.  There was a rustic eloquence to his evenly paced delivery that struck a chord in his audience.  He spoke of Thomas Jefferson, American ideals and the honourable traits of human dignity.  Then came lines that even critics considered as “inspirational” and “eloquent” – observations not normally associated with Bush's deliveries. “We have seen our discourse degraded by casual cruelty.  At times, it can seem like forces pulling us apart are stronger than the forces binding us together.  Argument turns too easily into animosity.  Disagreement escalates into dehumanization.  Too often, we judge other groups by their worst examples while judging ourselves by our best intentions – forgetting the image of God we should see in each other.” That phrase – casual cruelty – remained with listeners long after the event was concluded.  Was he referring to the offhanded way Donald Trump trashes those with whom he disagrees?  Or was it about the way Americans, following Trump's lead, had taken to eviscerating each other on social media and in hyper-partisan politics?  Either way, the former president was bemoaning the declining state of democracy. George W. is clearly not alone.  “If current trends continue for another 20 or 30 years, democracy will be toast,” concludes Sean Illing, a former military veteran and current political commentator.  He was one of 20 top political scientists who gathered at Yale University earlier this month to ponder whether democracy still has what it takes to prevail in a troubling future.  Their observations were insightful, though troubling, including the rapid decline in social cohesion among citizens and the growing lack of faith in politicians and the global financial order. One alarming insight, noted in a Vox article, was offered by Nancy Bermeo, political professor at Princeton and Harvard: “Democracies don't fall part – they're taken apart.  They die because of deliberate decisions made by human beings.”  The audience instinctively understood just how right she was.  Exercises in hyper-partisanship, character assassination, voter suppression, artful deception of the public and the deliberate attempt to destroy political institutions – these have become everyday occurrences in democratic life around the globe. A troubling bit of research that emerged at the conference was that almost 20% of Americans believed that a military-led government is a “fairly good” idea.  It was agreed by many of the presenters that people in advanced democratic countries around the world were exploring other alternatives to democracy itself. This went on for hours, and by the time it had concluded a certain sense of urgency had rippled through the gathering.  It was understood that two developments were playing out at the same time.  Those of the political class were busy playing the game of democracy when they should have been leading and overseeing it.  And, secondly, citizens were in the process of tearing one another apart, largely through social media, marches, partisanship and, yes, a growing sense of intolerance and hatred.  If just one of these aspects was dysfunctional, democracy would be on the ropes, but if both occur at the same time, only a democratic renaissance can save the day. In Britain, France, Austria, Germany, Spain and other European nations, a similar confluence of events is playing itself out.  And, according to the latest polls, faith in democracy in Latin America is at historic lows, with 40% saying they are prepared to support a military coup to tackle crime and corruption. And in Canada, as journalist Michael Harris reminded us this week in an insightful iPolitics piece, we are running the danger of losing the common good in favour of a democracy managed by only a few.  Harris was concerned enough about it to title his column “The Demise of Democracy.” Can politicians get beyond political parties to forge a new collective vision?  Not yet.  And can citizens develop enough capacity to bring themselves together at all levels to win democracy back for everyone?  Again, not yet.  In the meantime, dysfunction accumulates as the casual cruelty continues. Glen Pearson was a career professional firefighter and is a former Member of Parliament from southwestern Ontario.  He and his wife adopted three children from South Sudan and reside in London, Ontario.  He has been the co-director of the London Food Bank for 29 years.  He writes regularly for the London Free Press and also shares his views on a blog entitled “The Parallel Parliament“.   Follow him on twitter @GlenPearson.