By Christian May The US election has given rise to a huge number of divisive, potent and important debates. For many people, regardless of whether they even have a vote in this race, the contest has raised questions about the viability of American democracy itself. Those questions are likely to linger long after the close of polls and, for die-hard supporters on either side, may well remain unresolved. America is not alone in feeling the difficulties and contradictions exposed by the democratic process. Across the world, societies are grappling with the complexities of polarised electorates, s…