Library

Keynote Address

Talk With The Times

In this interactive session, Adam Bryant leads debate with senior Times journalists on topics and questions chosen by Athens Democracy Forum delegates

Democracy in Cartoons

How have political cartoonists responded to what is happening in the world? A New York Times editorial cartoonist examines the state of democracy through his drawings.

Closing Address

Upgrading Democracy: ‘Soft Laws’ and The Ombudsman

"This paper makes an argument for the establishment of the Office of the Ombudsman in Malaysia" which would "take on the crucial role of investigating and resolving disputes between citizens and public officials, investigating maladministration, corruption, abuse of power, and the misappropriation of public funds. The Ombudsman would also complement the efforts of other anti-corruption enforcement agencies as well as provide additional checks and balances to our current system" (Lee 2017).

West is best: How ‘stabilitocracy’ undermines democracy building in the Balkans

"Srđa Pavlović argues that the West’s approach to the Balkans has suffered from what he terms ‘stabilitocracy’, with the EU and United States backing governments that promise stability, but have undermined the establishment of democracy. He argues that if such an approach continues, it will likely produce anything but stability for the region" (Pavlović, 2017).

Migration: The plight of the needy and oppressed

In Europe, the vast influx of refugees from Islamic countries has sparked an often bitter debate about identity and inclusiveness. In the United States, illegal immigrants have become a major issue in the presidential race. Elsewhere around the world, millions of people fleeing repression, violence or poverty have overwhelmed refugee services.

The Attraction of the Big Man

Voters in a number of countries around the world have enthusiastically backed authoritarian

leaders. Many reasons for this are evidently at play: a longing for stability, corruption, a sense of

estrangement from the political process, and ignorance about democracy. Are established

democracies right to condemn these tendencies, or are they a valid democratic choice?

Democracy and Business

Is democracy good for business, and is business good for democracy? Do the inclusive

institutions of democracy promote entrepreneurship, leading to more growth and job creation, or

do they constrain it? Are entrepreneurs a natural constituency for democratic change, or do they

use their power and influence to shape the rules of the game in their favor?

Is Liberal Democracy Compatible with Religion?

The time-honored principles in liberal democracies on the separation of church and state and on

freedom of worship is challenged by devout believers who disagree with civic dress codes, or

same-sex marriage, or military duty