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
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."
Taxes
How have debates over taxation shaped American history and its democracy? Vanessa Williamson (Brookings) discusses her new book with Justene Hill Edwards, UVA associate professor of history.
Religion
What is the role of religion in public life and how has religious thought given shape to American democracy and religious freedom? Jerome Copulsky (Georgetown University) and Adam Jortner (Auburn University) will discuss their new books in a conversation with Nichole Flores (UVA Religion).
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View ArchiveIn the News
'A More Perfect Union,' a New PBS Special, To Premiere on Nov. 24
Recorded at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, "A More Perfect Union" features Ken Burns and Sarah Botstein, co-directors of "The American Revolution," and Yuval Levin, director of social, cultural, and constitutional studies at the American Enterprise Institute, in conversation with co-moderators Jeffrey Rosen, president and CEO of the NCC, and Melody Barnes, executive director of UVA’s Karsh Institute of Democracy.
www.pbs.org
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