Democratic Health Worldwide

(Image credit: Economist Intelligence Unit Democracy Index 2024 recreated by Dashing24)

The health of democracy around the world is widely seen as being in decline. Many countries are seeing a surge in authoritarian leadership, support for extremist parties, weakening institutional checks and balances, and crackdowns on freedom of protest. The second Trump administration in the United States has spotlighted these trends, raising fundamental questions about the future of democracy. What are some of the root causes of the global democratic backsliding? What role do domestic and international courts play in upholding the rule of law? How can individuals and activists organise amidst restrictions on freedom of movement and assembly? What can be done to strengthen democratic systems?

Our panel of experts will discuss these questions, followed by a Q&A session with the audience. We’ll hear perspectives from the United States, Brazil, India, and Western, Central and Eastern Europe.

Meet the speakers

Our Policy & Practice seminars bring together policy makers, practitioners and academics to discuss key issues in politics. All seminars are free to attend and open to all.

Bringing a large group?

If you plan to bring a group of 10 or more, then please contact spp@ucl.ac.uk and we will book you on. We love being joined by school and sixth-form groups, and encourage students to ask questions during the Q&A - don’t be shy! 

We ask all participants to follow our Code of Conduct for Public Events (PDF).

Recording

This event will be recorded and the video will be uploaded to our YouTube channel.

You can subscribe to our YouTube channel to be alerted when the recording is uploaded.

Seating and tickets

Seats are allocated on a first come, first served basis. We cannot guarantee you a seat, but it is very unusual that we have to turn someone away.

Accessibility

• The corridor outside the lecture theatre(s) is sufficiently wide enough (150cm+) to allow wheelchair users to pass.
• There is step free access into the lecture theatre(s).
• The door opening width(s) is/are 75cm+ for the lecture theatre(s).
• There are designated spaces for wheelchair users within the lecture theatre(s), located at the back.
• There is level access to the designated seating from an entrance.
• There is space for an assistance dog.
• There is a hearing assistance system for the lecture theatre(s).
• There is not a visual fire alarm beacon in the lecture theatre(s).
   

For more accessiblity info and an access guide please visit Accessable

If you have accessibility needs, please let us know and we will do our best to help.