We’re periodically reminded that democracy is a messy process and one that takes consistent energy and commitment.

We heard it after the U.S. invasion of Iraq wasn’t followed by a rapid acceptance of democracy, and it’s been a significant part of the narrative following last November’s presidential election.

To that end, Santa Clara University’s Markkula Center for Applied Ethics has partnered with The Atlantic magazine to explore — through a series of essays — how technology is impacting democracy. The series is part of The Democracy Project.

With me to talk about it is Irina Raicu of Santa Clara’s Ethics Center.