Greece has been the poster child for European economic crisis, but former Prime Minister George Papandreou wonders if it's just a preview of what's to come. “Our democracies," he says, "are trapped by systems that are too big to fail, or more accurately, too big to control” -- while "politicians like me have lost the trust of their peoples." How to solve it? Have citizens re-engage more directly in a new democratic bargain.

George Papandreou: Imagine a European democracy without borders

Imagine a European democracy without borders

In a moment of crisis, markets, not military, put a gun to our heads, coercing rapid, fear-driven decisions in global politics.

Facing a democratic deficit, invoking participation and citizen juries could reinvigorate the European democracy experiment.

Democracy's revival hinges not on politicians but on citizen engagement, challenging unchecked power and fostering global solidarity.