Seminars Spring 2026

PHILOSOPHY

• Democracy and its Discontents in the 21st Century - Isaac Mutelo

Abraham Lincoln famously defined democracy as “government of the people, by the people, for the people.” Although democracy can be thought of as ‘power of the people,’ several challenges exist. The seminar addresses complex challenges that contemporary democracies face. Key issues to be explored include human rights abuses, rising inequality, authoritarianism, and the impact of disinformation on public trust and civic engagement.
Participants will analyze specific case studies from countries from Africa, Europe and the United States, highlighting how these issues manifest in different political contexts. The seminar will also encourage discussions on the implications of populism, the erosion of democratic norms, and the struggle for social justice. By examining these pressing concerns, the seminar aims to foster a deeper understanding of the threats to democracy and to explore collaborative strategies for promoting human rights, equality, and democratic resilience in the contemporary world.

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