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
Our Work
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.
Looking for past events?
View ArchiveIn the News
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
Reporting Series Illuminates Roles of Virginians Who Make Democracy Work
A series of profiles from the Virginia Center for Investigative Journalism, WHRO, and the Karsh Institute takes inspiration from community journalism.
current.org
Incumbents Stay Strong in South America
Christopher Carter, from the Karsh Institute’s John L. Nau III History & Principles of Democracy Lab, looks at trends in elections in Latin America.
millercenter.org
From the “Great Connector” to the “Great Sorter”
Young Americans need more communal pathways to adulthood than just the traditional, four-year college route, writes Karsh Institute Practitioner Fellow Sam Pressler.
americancompass.org