Realizing the promise of democracy
The Karsh Institute of Democracy studies, defends, and invigorates the institutions, practices, and cultural underpinnings that are the foundations of democracy.
Election 2024
Exploring the importance of democratic elections in the United States and around the world this year.
Our People
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Events
Reimagining AI for Environmental Justice and Creativity
Two days of discussions to explore the dynamics of power and trust, in technology and governments, from perspectives not always included in the deployment and regulation of policies centered on artificial intelligence.
Abigail Spanberger: Congress—a Cornerstone of Democracy
Representative Abigail Spanberger of Virginia’s seventh congressional district joins Jayme Swain, president and CEO of VPM, to reflect on the important role Congress plays in meeting Americans’ needs. What steps must be taken to accomplish that goal and invigorate trust among citizens?
Co-opting AI: Architecture
Part of the Co-Opting AI event series, a panel of experts explores how AI systems intervene into one of the most fundamental aspects of society: designing and constructing dwellings.
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View ArchiveIn the News
Melody Barnes on CBC's American Roundtable
Executive Director Melody Barnes and Tim Naftali join us for CBC's American Roundtable session to break down the latest news from the campaign trail.
www.youtube.com
Knitting Society Back Together: A Policy Framework for Civic Renewal
Practitioner Fellow Sam Pressler says there’s a resurgence of communitarian organizing happening in America, as people and organizations attempt to bring society back together, one club or digital forum at a time.
newpublic.substack.com
‘Inside UVA’: Does Talking Through Political Disagreement Help? Yes
Structured talks about politics help college students better relate, though they don’t often change minds, associate professor Rachel Wahl told UVA President Jim Ryan on his podcast 'Inside UVA.' Wahl is the director of the Karsh Institute's Good Life Political Project.
news.virginia.edu
How the Relationship Between Government and Economy Has Changed Since “The Great Society”
“It was transformative for the entire country,” the Karsh Institute's Melody Barnes told NPR's Marketplace. “[Johnson] decided to use the power that he had amassed over 20-plus years in Washington to accomplish something that many people thought was unimaginable.”
www.marketplace.org