Democracy in the twenty-first century is confronting a complex combination of geopolitical instability, economic inequality, technological disruption, populism and changing patterns of political participation. This panel examines how these transformations are reshaping democratic governance across different regions and political systems. Moving beyond the conventional distinction between consolidated and emerging democracies, the panel adopts a comparative global perspective to identify common patterns as well as context-specific responses.
Cases from around the world will examine populism, political polarisation, migration and declining institutional trust; it will also explore democratic participation, digital governance and the challenges of governing a highly diverse society. It will illuminate the relationship between populism, institutional resilience and social inequality, while also providing perspectives on democratic consolidation, electoral politics and inclusive governance. The panel will also consider AI, social media and misinformation as emerging forces influencing political opinion and electoral processes, alongside the growing political influence of technology corporations and other non-state actors.
The panel seeks to identify whether contemporary democratic uncertainty represents a temporary crisis or a structural transformation of democracy itself. It asks how democratic institutions can become more inclusive, participatory, accountable, technologically resilient and adaptable to an increasingly multipolar global order.
