European Parliament: ‘Adapting the capacities of parliaments to changing democracies - Session III: Covid-19 and the future of parliaments’ - 10 December 2020, 15.00-17.00 (CET)

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As pillars of representative democracy, parliaments have also been affected by these changes. In particular, emerging non electoral forms of representation including new citizen forums, representative claims by civil society and deliberative tools are driving renewed interest in democracy innovation and its impact on parliaments. These new developments are challenging the existing conceptual and normative resources of policy-makers and practitioners in parliaments.

The COVID-19 crisis has even accelerated changes in parliamentary democracies. The introduction of new systems allowing for virtual participation and for remote voting by members is a major shift for parliamentary institutions. In order to make sense of these changes, to spot new trends in parliamentary democracies and to help parliaments to prepare for future challenges, the European Parliament, the European Commission and INTER PARES | Parliaments in Partnerships - EU Global Project to Strengthen the Capacity of Parliaments  (implemented by International IDEA) are jointly promoting this online conference.

Pacific Research Institute (PRI): ‘Democracy Under Lockdown: Civil Society’s Response to COVID-19’ - 8 December 2020, 11.00 (PT)

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Measures to slow the spread of the Coronavirus, such as masking and social distancing, have created much controversy. Although there was opposition to similar measures then too, the 1918 influenza, one historian recently observed, was met by a “much higher sense of civic duty” than we see today. Instead, we seem to have increasingly turned toward official rules and regulations to promote “civic duty.” If that is the case, has the spread of the coronavirus revealed an illness that is not just medical, but goes to heart of American society and government?

Join us for a webinar with Dr. Leslie Lenkowsky, professor of practice in the Paul H. O'Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs at Indiana University and a member of the philanthropic studies faculty of the IU Lilly Family School of Philanthropy. Dr. Lenkowsky, an expert on philanthropy and public affairs, will offer his insights into American civil society's response to the COVID-19 pandemic and what increased restrictions on personal freedom mean for our democracy.

Council of Europe: ‘Covid-19: Local and regional authorities on the front line’ - 7 December 2020, 14.30-17.00 (CET)

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Local and regional authorities are on the front line in containing the spread of Covid-19 and mitigating the impact of the epidemic. In order to hear the stories of those who have been organising, coordinating and delivering responses to the crisis in towns and cities, provinces and Départements, regions and Länder, the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe is organising an online event "Covid-19: Local and regional authorities on the front line", on Monday, 7 December 2020 from 14.30 to 17.30 CET.

The first debate (14:30-15:30) will build on the Athens Declaration and examine how to respond effectively to a public health crisis in full respect of human rights, democracy and the rule of law. It will be opened by Anders Knape, President of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities, and will include statements by Marija Pejčinović-Burić, Secretary General of the Council of Europe, and, via video message, Michael Roth, Minister of State of the Federal Foreign Office of Germany, Special Representative of the Federal Government for the German Presidency of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe.

The second debate (15h30-17h30) will be devoted to the specific role of local and regional authorities. It will include statements by Gunn-Marit Helgesen (Norway, EPP/CCE), President of the Chamber of Regions, Xavier Cadoret (France, SOC/G/PD), President of the Chamber of Local Authorities, Kostas Bakoyannis, Mayor of Athens, and Gabriele Neff (Germany, ILDG), Chair of the Congress Current Affairs Committee. They will share their reflections with Congress members, youth delegates and partners for local democracy on the challenges facing local and regional authorities.

Embassy of Sweden in Manila, International IDEA & UP-CIDS: 'Democracy Talks in Manila – The Role of Youth Voices in Philippine Democracy' - 8 December 2020, 15.00 (PHT)

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Around the world, democratic institutions are being weakened and the democratic space, not least for civil society, is shrinking. Sweden is convinced that democracy is the best foundation for a sustainable, secure, and stable society that can foster growth and economic prosperity. Therefore, the Swedish Foreign Service has launched a Drive for Democracy and is holding Democracy Talks around the world.

Youth involvement and participation is vital in preserving a democratic society. Democracy Talks in Manila will discuss how the youth today perceives the state of Philippine democracy and seeks to determine the role of youth voices in strengthening democracy. Democracy Talks in Manila is organized by the Embassy of Sweden in Manila, the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA), and the University of the Philippines - Center for Integrative and Development Studies (UP-CIDS).

KEYNOTE & Transition: ‘Prague Media Point 2020 Virtual Conference’ - 1-12 December 2020

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PRAGUE MEDIA POINT is a virtual conference for journalists, media professionals, and scholars on December 1-11, 2020 with workshops on December 12, 2020. This year’s program, under the theme "What’s Working," will again take stock of success stories in the media industry – so important amid all the normal doom and gloom in the profession and society at large. Held exclusively online, this year’s event presents a unique opportunity to learn from and engage with media leaders, no matter where you are.

Our mission is to foster the media’s work for the public good by convening solution-oriented expert gatherings that bring together unique, regional perspectives and provide lasting networking experiences. Per this year’s theme – “What’s Working” – discussions will focus on adapting or replicating successful projects and approaches in different contexts. The agenda includes 36 sessions split into four main areas addressing some of the most pressing issues of today:

• ON TODAY’S NEWS AGENDA –  media freedom, the COVID-19 pandemic, the climate crisis, and diversity.

• GROW AND INNOVATE – self-help for news organizations in these challenging times.

• SCHOLARLY INSIGHTS – presentations on current research, COVID-fueled innovations, and more.

• INVESTIGATIVE JOURNALISM – tracking organized crime, Chinese influence, and engaging the audience in long-term investigations.

Association for Development Issues (FUF): ‘Democratic Backsliding - In the shadow of a pandemic’ - 1 December 2020, 18.15 (CEST)

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In a world where democracy is already in decline, the coronavirus is further embolding leaders to expand their power and reduce the basic rights and freedoms of their people. Freedom House reports that since the pandemic began, the condition of democracy and human rights has become worse in 80 countries. The effects are particularly severe in struggling democracies and repressive states.

FUF Uppsala therefore invites you to a seminar on the effects that covid-19 has had on democracy and human rights issues all over the world. The seminar will take place over zoom. At the end of the seminar we will open up for questions and discussion. The seminar will be held in English. Last day to sign up for the seminar is Monday 30/11. The event is free of charge.

Speakers:

Palina Kolvani - associate researcher, Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Institute

Hans Ingvar Roth - professor of Human Rights, Institute of Turkish Studies @ Stockholm University

Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA): ‘The Media in the Face of COVID-19 and the Political Crisis in Côte d'Ivoire’ - 30 November 2020, 11.00 (UTC)

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In addition to the COVID-19 pandemic which devastated the newspaper industry with economic havoc, the crisis linked to the recent elections in Côte d'Ivoire has created a tense political environment which has affected media operations. This Webinar will aim to analyze the impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic and the Political Crisis on the media in Cote d'Ivoire. It offers a platform for reflection for press professionals, experts in media development, activists, and political analysts with a view to proposing appropriate solutions to the difficulties that the media encounter in the face of these two crises.

American Democracy Collaborative: ‘Post-Election Debriefing: The Future of American Democracy’ - 4 December 2020, 14.00 (EST)

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The 2020 presidential election tested the political system and brought American democracy close to the brink. President Donald Trump made continued claims of fraud over mail-in ballots, even during the pandemic, and he encouraged his white nationalist and other supporters to disrupt the voting process. Long after his loss became clear, he and other elected Republican officials refused to accept the results and persisted in making unfounded claims of fraud. How well will the political system respond to these historic challenges? Will it show American democracy to be resilient, or will it deteriorate toward authoritarianism? What will the Biden presidency mean for these trends? And what will this election portend for Congress, the states, the Republican and Democratic parties – and for the future of American politics? The event is co-sponsored by the Einaudi Center and the Institute of Politics and Global Affairs.

Panelists:

Frances Lee - Professor of Politics and Public Affairs, Princeton University

Christopher S. Parker - Stuart A. Scheingold Professor of Social Justice and Political Science, University of Washington

Paul Pierson - John Gross Professor of Political Science, University of California

Robert C. Lieberman (Moderator) - Krieger-Eisenhower Professor of Political Science, Johns Hopkins University

African Electoral Jurisprudence Network: ‘Pandemic Elections: Judges on the Frontline of African Democracy’ - 2 December 2020, 14.00 (SAST)

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Democracies thrive on assembly, transparency and confidence in elections and government institutions – all of which are put at risk by the COVID-19 pandemic. Many countries on the African continent have grappled with a gravely important decision in 2020: whether to delay elections as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, or to modify election processes to minimize the risk of transmission.

It is inevitable in some contexts that decisions to postpone elections or modify electoral processes will become politicized and may be challenged in the courts. Courts may be asked to render a judgment on the legal validity of emergency powers, election postponements, the introduction of new rules governing election processes, and other election disputes that arise as elections take place.

This second meeting of the African Electoral Jurisprudence Network will be an opportunity for judges in countries that have completed or are facing elections to share relevant judgments, and any challenges around election laws and emergency powers in their own jurisdictions.

Robert Schuman Centre for Advanced Studies (European University Institute): ‘What Role for the European Parliament in the COVID-19 Crisis?’ - 1 December 2020, 13.00-14.30 (CEST)

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The COVID-19 crisis poses a particular problem for parliamentary democracy: internally, the European Parliament needs to adapt to a sudden process of digitalisation and remote participation; externally, the crisis disrupts legislative processes and the capacity to shape policy. Therefore, the COVID-19 crisis is a test to the institutional resilience of the European Parliament and its capacity to play a relevant role. This webinar offers an opportunity to discuss how the digitalisation of the EP has affected internal procedures and the role of different actors – from MEPs to EP staff. It also offers an opportunity to reflect about how the lockdown has shifted the position of the EP in the inter-institutional triangle and how it might affect its parliamentary role in the long term. This is particularly important in view of the upcoming Conference on the Future of Europe.

Speakers:

Klaus Welle – Secretary General of the European Parliament

Jan Olbrycht  – Member of the European Parliament, European People’s Party, Poland, co-rapporteur for the Multiannual Financial Framework for the years 2021 to 2027

Adrienne Héritier – Emeritus Professor, EUI

Olivier Rozenberg – Associate Professor, Science Po Paris

Electoral Regulation Research Network (ERRN): ‘Elections under COVID-19 in Australia: an update on recent experiences and lessons for the future’ - 26 November 2020, 12.30-14.00 (AEST)

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This webinar will explore the responses to the Covid-19 challenge adopted at recent electoral processes in Australia, and seek to identify the longer term implications of work practices which Australian election administrators have been forced by the pandemic to adopt.

McGill Women, Leadership and Philanthropy Group of New York: ‘Now What? Reflecting on the US Election and Democracy in the COVID Era’ - 24 November 2020, 12.00-13.00 (EST)

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For many Americans, 2020 has brought two all-consuming and intertwined sources of anxiety - the US presidential election and the COVID-19 pandemic. These concerns extend beyond the immediate aftermath of November 3 to the fate of democracy in the United States and around the world.

To better understand the implications of this tumultuous period in history, join us for an enlightening post-election discussion with Dawn Nakagawa and Professor Jennifer Welsh, two leading experts on global governance and democracy. As they examine the impact of both the pandemic and the election, they will share their expectations for the future of democratic institutions and the US's capacity for global leadership.

German Marshall Fund: ‘Is Populism Having a Good Crisis?’ - 23 November 2020, 14.00-15.00 (EST)

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As the tried and true political axiom goes “in every crisis lies opportunity” but for whom, populists or their opponents? In recent crises, we have seen a surge in support for populists in nations on both sides of the Atlantic. The Covid-19 pandemic has wrought a global crisis of previously unimaginable  economic and social consequence but are populists having a good crisis? Will we emerge from a pandemic that has accelerated the recent strengthening of populists or will the political landscape shift against those populists? On both sides of the Atlantic, the Presidential elections in 2020 give mixed signals to the success of incumbent populists with President Duda extending his term and President Trump's loss to President-elect Biden. Looking to the future, who will make the most out of this crisis?

Speakers:

Sheri Berman - Professor of Political Science, Barnard College, Columbia University

Thomas Kleine-Brockhoff - Vice President, GMF

Yasha Mounk - Senior Fellow, GMF

Susan Glasser (Moderator) - Staff Writer, The New Yorker

Korea University & Constitutional Academic and Professional Association: ‘COVID-19 and the Constitution - The democratic rule of law in times of crisis’ - 18 November 2020, 17.00 (KST)

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Due to the still existing exceptional situation of the corona crisis, this session intends to deal with the consequences of the pandemic for democracy and the rule of law. Despite the purely digital event, high-ranking representatives from political and legal science from Germany and South Korea have agreed to participate. During the first session, the focus will be on the complex of issues of exceptional constitution and restrictions on fundamental rights. The speeches and discussions will take place in German and Korean. Simultaneous interpretation will be offered throughout the webinar.

Center for Cultural Studies (UC Santa Cruz): ‘Vicente Rafael & Jorgge Menna Barreto — Authoritarianism in the Philippines and Brazil’ - 18 November 2020, 12.15-13.30 (PST)

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This dialogic colloquium enjoins us to learn about and reflect on authoritarianism in Rodrigo Duterte’s Philippines and Jair Bolsonaro’s Brazil.  In each of these democracies, what histories and dynamics have contributed to these figures’ rise, and how is their appeal connected to the place of each country in global economies of material and cultural capital? How should we understand their contemporaneity and connection? How have they approached the pandemic’s necropolitical possibilities and challenges? The session will begin with brief opening remarks from Vicente Rafael on Duterte’s Philippines and Jorgge Menna Barreto on Bolsonaro’s Brazil. We will then open to a broader conversation among participants.

Colloquium participants will be expected to have completed brief readings by Vicente Rafael and Jorgge Menna Barreto before the event. This session is co-sponsored by the Center for Southeast Asian Coastal Interactions (SEACoast).

German Marshall Fund: ‘Living with the Virus: A Stress Test for Democracies’ - 18 November 2020, 10.00-10.45 (EST)

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The pandemic not only presents an immense challenge for public health and the economy, it also proves to be a litmus test for societal cohesion and international cooperation. With countries on both sides of the Atlantic undergoing a new round of lockdowns, signs of pandemic fatigue become apparent, and leaders are performing a balancing act with democratic principles. Can the hunt for and the distribution of a vaccine enhance cooperation among democratic countries?

Johanna Hanefeld from the German Robert Koch Institute and Anand Parekh from the Bipartisan Policy Center in conversation with Heidi Tworek will discuss the way forward for global health and how international cooperation and democratic communication strategies can help to manage the current pandemic.

International IDEA and the International Legal Assistance Consortium (ILAC): ‘Accountable Governance and the COVID-19 Pandemic: Recommendations for Action’ - 18 November 2020, 10.00 (ET)

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The COVID-19 crisis is presenting an enormous stress test for accountable governance on which an effective public health response depends. Responding to a public health emergency such as COVID-19 requires government institutions capable of delivering both preventive and emergency medical care while also maintaining other essential public services. Regardless of the exigencies of the crisis, governments must carry out these basic functions in accordance with the rule of law—open to the public, contestable in the courts and through elections governed by law, with the consent of the legislature, and reviewed by audit and other oversight bodies.

Co-sponsored by World Justice Challenge thematic partners International IDEA and the International Legal Assistance Consortium (ILAC), this discussion will focus on key accountable governance problems raised and exacerbated by the pandemic and discuss recommendations for actions needed to address the crisis' underlying challenges, support an effective recovery process, and build back better rule-of-law-based societies.

Speakers:

Laura Thornton - Director for Global Programmes, International IDEA

Richard Sannerholm - Director of Assessment and Legal Analysis, International Legal Assistance Consortium (ILAC)​

Ted Piccone (Moderator) - Chief Engagement Officer, World Justice Project

International IDEA 25th Anniversary Global Conference: ‘Democracy Now and Next’ - 19 November 2020, 0500 (CET)

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The conference will be held virtually and offer a tour of democracy around the world consisting of sequenced regional webinars held within a 25-hour time-frame. This is an opportunity for you to get insights on the most salient democracy-related topics, including:

• Democracy, Youth and Climate Change

• The Future of Elections in Asia and the Pacific

• Democracy Assistance in Central and Eastern Europe

• Inclusive Political Participation in Africa

• The State of Democracy in Latin America

And many other topics brought to you by 63 leading experts from around the globe.

Media Freedom Coalition: ‘Global Conference for Media Freedom 2020’ - 16 November 2020, 0800-1600 (EST)

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Building on the success of the inaugural Global Conference for Media Freedom in London last year, this online event will feature the first Ministerial meeting of the Media Freedom Coalition, a coalition of 37 governments committed to working together to advocate for media freedom and the protection of journalists. All 37 members of the Media Freedom Coalition have signed the Global Pledge on Media Freedom, that commits like-minded countries to working together on identifying and acting on violations and abuses against members of the press.The conference will provide a forum to:

• strengthen joint efforts in defending media freedom worldwide

• connect with journalists and media workers, civil society and governments

IPI Executive Director, Barbara Trionfi will speak on the public panel “Media Freedom and COVID-19” starting at 13:50 EST.

Watson Institute (Brown University): ‘Virtual Roundtable on the 2020 US Election’ - 13 November 2020, 13.00-14.30 (ET)

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What does the 2020 election teach us about the health of American democracy today? About its likely trajectory in the future? How would you rate the quality of the election itself, held in the middle of a global pandemic? To the extent that you were concerned about threats to the fairness of the vote, which of these threats materialized? Which did not? How do the dynamics of the election compare to past elections and other elections around the world?

Panelists:

Robert Blair (Moderator) - Brown University

Emily Clough (Moderator) - Northeastern University

Gretchen Helmke - University of Rochester, Bright Line Watch

Steven Levitsky and Daniel Ziblatt - Harvard University

Tom Ginsburg and Aziz Huq - University of Chicago

Jacob Hacker and Paul Pierson - Yale and UC Berkeley

Suzanne Mettler and Robert Lieberman - Cornell and Johns Hopkins

This event is co-sponsored by the Watson Institute for International and Public Affairs, Democratic Erosion Consortium, University of Rochester and Bright Line Watch.