Events

Liberal democracy is under siege globally, and the traditional US policy of defending democracy abroad is very much in question. This half-day conference is inspired partly by FPRI’s new book, which explores the issues in the debate as to whether or not the support of democracy abroad should remain a significant component of American foreign policy. These issues have taken on sharp new relevance with the Trump administration’s downgrading of democracy support.

Does democracy abroad matter to US security interests? Do democracies make safer neighbors and better allies? Does democracy promote peace, security, and economic prosperity? How should the US deal with the democratic recession of the past decade and the authoritarian counter-offensive that has reversed some of the spectacular democracy gains of the 15 years following the fall of the Berlin Wall? Where and how can US democracy assistance be delivered effectively? These are the issues that will be discussed with prominent experts in the field.

9:30 am - Registration Opens

10:00am - Welcoming Remarks

William Burke-White—Richard Perry Professor and Inaugural Director, Perry World House.

Alan Luxenberg—President, FPRI.

10:10am-11:25am - Panel Discussion: Progress of Liberal Democracy Since 1989, and the Authoritarian Counteroffensive

Thomas Melia—Fellow, George W Bush Institute. USAID Assistant Administrator (2015-2017)

Mitchell Orenstein—FPRI Senior Fellow. Professor of Central and East European Politics, University of Pennsylvania.

Tarun Chhabra—Fellow, Perry World House and Brookings Institution.

Moderated by: Claire Finkelstein—Faculty Director, Center for Ethics and Rule of Law, University of Pennsylvania.

11:40am-1:00pm - Panel Discussion: Does Democracy Matter? Dealing with Authoritarian Resurgence

Adrian Basora—Senior Fellow, Eurasia Program Director, FPRI.

Melinda Haring—Fellow, FPRI. Editor, Ukraine Alert, Atlantic Council.

Sarah Bush—Senior Fellow, FPRI. Assistant Professor of Political Science, Temple University.

Moderated by: Sean Yom—Senior Fellow, FPRI. Associate Professor of Political Science, Temple University.

1pm -1:30pm - Lunch Break

1:30pm-2:45pm - Keynote Remarks, followed by a conversation with William Burke-White.

Thomas Carothers—Senior Vice President of Studies, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.

2:45pm – 3:30pm - Reception and book-signing