Realizing the promise of democracy
The Karsh Institute makes a difference through a robust slate of programs, research, and events—confronting key challenges to democracy, both longstanding and new.
Our Focus
On November 5, 2024, the United States held a free and fair election—a hallmark of democratic government. In exit polls, most Americans called democracy a top priority. The Karsh Institute is focused on several areas that are essential for a vibrant democracy—working to develop solutions that support good governance and meaningful engagement in civic life.
Our People
Our Work
Events
Rep. Will Hurd: Congress—a Cornerstone of American Democracy
Former Representative Will Hurd of Texas' 23rd congressional district joins UVA politics professor Jennifer Lawless to reflect on the important role Congress plays in meeting Americans’ needs.
The Cultural Roots of America's Political Crisis
James Davison Hunter, author of Democracy and Solidarity: On the Cultural Roots of America’s Political Crisis, explores the intricate relationship between democracy and the principles of solidarity in our increasingly polarized world.
UVA's 2025 Community MLK Celebration
Michele Norris delivers UVA's 2025 Community MLK Celebration keynote address, followed by a discussion with Melody Barnes, executive director of UVA’s Karsh Institute of Democracy.
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U.S. Lawmakers: Chinese-Owned TikTok a Security Risk
UVA's Digital Technology for Democracy Lab faculty co-lead Aynne Kokas discusses the Supreme Court’s decision to take up the TikTok ban case in January 2025 and provides her insights on the broader challenges TikTok poses to Western democracies.
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How Cville Tulips Helps Refugee Women and Children Bloom
Cville Tulips, a nonprofit run through the Karsh Institute's Sound Justice Lab, builds communites and empowers local refugee women and children through art, English, and health classes.
news.virginia.edu
Franco-American Intellectual and Cultural Collaborations
Devoted to transatlantic intellectual and cultural exchanges, this panel discussion included Laurent Dubois, academic director of UVA's Karsh Institute of Democracy; Alain-Philippe Durand, dean of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences at the University of Arizona; and Jessica Kimpell-Johnson, director of research at the Karsh Institute.
washington.office.cnrs.fr
In Award-Winning Book, UVA Author Contends Democracy Is ‘Wobbling’
UVA professor John Owen, who is the Karsh Institute's Advisory Board vice chair and was a featured speaker in our 'Touchstones of Democracy' event series, received the 2025 Grawemeyer Award for Ideas Improving World Order.
news.virginia.edu