Global Futures of Democracy

In 2024, Utrecht University is calling attention to the topic of democracy, a topic central to Institutions for Open Societies (IOS). We would like to turn the energy and progress we experience in this regard into a long-term initiative within IOS, dedicated to exploring the global future of democracy. The initiative not only addresses the fears and threats facing democracy today, but also explores strategies to counter them.

The aim is to launch various projects and ideas, leveraging the multidisciplinary set-up of IOS and the extensive network of contacts and collaborations it fosters within the platforms and the wider UU community, as well as reaching out to other institutions, societal stakeholders, and the public.

The long-term vision is to

• establish a global network of scholars and experts working on this topic,
• facilitate exchanges among them, and
• produce impact on both, public discourse and political action.

We invite anyone interested in contributing to reach out to Lars Behrisch (l.behrisch@uu.nl).

Also, we warmly welcome you to a meeting where more information will be provided about plans, ideas and possibilities, which comprise, amongst others,

• a conference in autumn 2025
• plans for 3-yearly thematic clusters featuring summer schools and other activities with invited scholars,
• as well as teaching and outreach efforts.

This meeting will take place on October 17th, from 15:30 to 17:00 (followed by drinks), in the Ravensteynzaal, Kromme Nieuwegracht 80 (room 1.06)