The COVID-19 pandemic is posing a major test to public confidence in the leaders of democratic societies as well as in democracy itself. The pandemic strikes at a time when democracy and freedom are in global decline. The erosion, in particular, of press freedom is both a symptom and contributor to the breakdown of other democratic institutions and principles. Elected leaders in many democracies have made explicit attempts to undermine the separation of powers, foment social divisions, and silence critical media voices. Hear prominent journalists discuss how democracy in Israel, India, the US, and the Philippines is being eroded by contested elections, polarization and populist consolidation of power, weak leadership, and disinformation.

Speakers:

Khaldoun BARGHOUTI - Israeli Affairs Editor, Al-Hayat al-Jadida, Ramallah, Palestine @KHBarghouti

Arfa KHANUM - Senior Editor, The Wire, New Delhi, India @khanumarfa

Lillian CUNNINGHAM - Creator and Host “Presidential” and “Constitutional” podcasts, The Washington Post, Washington, DC, USA @lily_cunningham

D.J. YAP - Senior Reporter, Philippine Daily Inquirer, Manila, Philippines @deejayapINQ

Moderator:

Seth C. MCKEE - Professor of Political Science, Oklahoma State University, and Editor-in-Chief, Political Research Quarterly, Stillwater, OK, USA @OKstatePoliSci