Global Challenges to Democracy

The course addresses key factors challenging democracies, the causes driving "de-democratization," and both domestic and international tests for democracy. The course also considers some possible responses that can strengthen democracy. It provides students the analytical tools to assess threats to democracy, in ways that can help equip them (in this domain area) for academic, government, Think Tank, NGO and international organization careers. The course emphasizes active participation, and as such provides opportunities for engaging the course topics collaboratively. Opportunities are also provided to engage 3-4 guest lecturers from academic, government, NGO and journalism backgrounds.

By the end of the course, students will have a solid understanding of the social, political, cultural and economic stresses facing democracies across much of the world. Students will, furthermore, be familiar with a range of theoretical and empirical approaches to the problem-set. The students will be also equipped with the analytical tools to independently and innovatively engage challenges to democracy in academic, government and NGO settings.