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Understanding Democratic Backsliding: An Expert Discussion on the Decay of Global Democracy

  • Columbia University - Earl Hall 2980 Broadway New York, NY, 10027 United States (map)

Organizer: Columbia Forum on Democracy

Type/Location: In Person / New York, NY

Description:

Amidst a global crisis of democracy, the erosion of democratic norms and the rise of authoritarianism demand urgent action to protect fundamental freedoms. On November 18th, join the Columbia Forum on Democracy for an expert discussion exploring the root causes and drivers of democratic backsliding in the United States and around the world. In partnership with the NYU Democracy Project, the New York Southeast Asia Network, and Columbia CiVEC, “Understanding Democratic Backsliding” will convene leading scholars from Columbia and NYU to foster dialogue and spark policy solutions to the crisis.

Light refreshments and food will be provided. Location will be specified upon RSVP.

About the Speakers:

Lincoln Mitchell, PhD - Lincoln Mitchell is an adjunct research scholar at Columbia University’s Arnold A. Saltzman Institute of War and Peace Studies and an adjunct associate professor of political science. His work spans democracy and governance, focusing on regions like the former Soviet Union, Eastern Europe, and Asia. Mitchell also provides analysis on U.S. politics, serving as a political consultant and author on topics such as democratic rollback and U.S. foreign policy​.

Victoria Murillo, PhD - A professor of political science and international and public affairs at Columbia University, Victoria Murillo researches Latin American politics, with expertise in political economy, electoral behavior, and institutional development. She examines government performance and public policy impacts across the region.

John Gershman, PhD - Dr. Gershman directs NYU’s Democracy Project, concentrating on international development and U.S. foreign policy, especially regarding global poverty and security. With experience in policy advisory, he explores the intersection of governance and social justice​. John Gershman is also a Co-Founder of NYSEAN and former Co-Chair of Sulo: The Philippine Studies Initiative at NYU.

Rumela Sen, PhD - Dr. Rumela Sen, a political scientist at Columbia’s SIPA, focuses on civil conflict and insurgency, with her research addressing issues of state and rebel negotiations. Her work often examines transitions from violence to peace in South Asia​.

Turkuler Isiksel, PhD - A political theory professor at Columbia, Dr. Isiksel’s research delves into European Union governance, cosmopolitanism, and democratic accountability in supranational institutions. Her work is well-regarded in the field of political philosophy​.

Yasmine Ergas, JD - Yasmine Ergas is a Columbia University professor and director of the Gender and Public Policy specialization. Her areas include international human rights, with a focus on gender issues, family policy, and global governance. She advises on gender policy in international affairs, bridging academic research with policy application​.

Registration Link:

To attend the event in person, please register here.

Co-Sponsors: NYSEAN, NYU Democracy Project, and Columbia CiVEC

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November 15

The Use of Visual Psychological Anthropology to explore aspects of the lives of people living with mental illness in Indonesia

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November 19

Crimes in Archival Form: Human Rights, Fact Production, and Myanmar