With scandal, corruption and nationalism on the rise, it's easy to feel a sense of despair about the state of democracy. But is the alternative any better? In this insightful talk, Professor Alex Tan makes the case that democracy is still the best form of government -- and shares the secret of which kind of democracy works best.

Alex Tan is Head of Department and Professor of Political Science and International Relations, Honorary Professor of the New Zealand Defence Force Command and Staff College, Associate Director of the NZ Contemporary China Research Centre, Senior Fellow of the University of Nottingham China Policy Institute (UK), Fellow of the John Goodwin Tower Center for Political Studies (Dallas, USA), and University Chair Professor of Political Science (adjunct) at National Chengchi University (Taiwan). He has published extensively in the areas of political parties and elections, political economy, Asian politics and international affairs. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx