What Kind of Future in What Kind of World?

Abstract

This chapter reviews current trends influencing societies and individuals and assesses the implications for CCE. Following from the previous chapter, it is acknowledged that CCE can support both the authoritarian state and the democratic state but in relation to the latter its main function has been to consolidate democratic processes, institutions and values. This consolidation, however, is now seen to be under threat from major social and economic influences including globalization, populism, fundamentalisms and the negative use of social media. These influences pose a major threat to, and provide significant challenges for, CCE. The implications of these multiple influences for the future are that democratic values may not be a given and support for democracy cannot be assumed. Future citizens will need to evaluate information critically, to weigh up competing interpretations and most importantly of all to make decisions that are grounded in moral and ethical values. These citizens will not only be active and engaged but also knowledgeable, equipped with moral purpose and integrity and willing to defend democracy.