Realizing the promise of democracy
We bring people together to explore and build solutions to the greatest challenges facing democracy.
Democracy360 Convenes Thousands for Three Days of Bold Ideas and Engaging Conversation
At the Karsh Institute’s signature biennial gathering, participants turned ideas into action, connecting across generations and perspectives to confront democracy’s challenges and to imagine its future.
Our People
Our Work
Events
America
How has the history of the United States been shaped by its relationship with Latin American nations? Pulitzer Prize–winning author Greg Grandin (Yale University) will discuss his new book, "America, América: A New History of the New World" with Anne Garland Mahler (UVA Spanish).
Opportunity in America
An exploration of the complex interplay between social class and race in shaping opportunity and inequality in America.
Art
The American Revolution was fought not just with muskets but also through works of art that articulated revolutionary ideals. Zara Anishanslin (University of Delaware) will join Douglas Fordham (UVA Art) to discuss her book "The Painter’s Fire: A Forgotten History of the Artists Who Championed the American Revolution."
Looking for past events?
View ArchiveIn the News
Democracy and Capitalism—in Tension Since Colonial America
In a new book, a multidisciplinary group of distinguished scholars explore the vibrant historical debate over whether democracy and capitalism can and should coexist in the United States.
Your Personal Anecdote Is Unhelpful
“A functioning republic requires an elite that takes seriously its obligation to understand the experiences of people not sitting on stage and to use data rather than personal anecdotes to analyze the nation’s challenges,” wrote Oren Cass about his participation in the Karsh Institute’s Democracy360.
www.commonplace.org
Who Should Be the Governor of Virginia?
Times Opinion convened a panel to weigh in on the Commonwealth's race for governor, including Karsh Institute Practitioner Fellow Sally Hudson.
www.nytimes.com
Democracy360 Convenes Thousands for Three Days of Bold Ideas and Engaging Conversation
At the Karsh Institute’s signature biennial gathering, participants turned ideas into action, connecting across generations and perspectives to confront democracy’s challenges and to imagine its future.