Realizing the promise of democracy
We bring people together to explore and build solutions to the greatest challenges facing democracy.
“A More Perfect Union”
Karsh Institute Executive Director Melody Barnes served as co-moderator for a PBS conversation with Ken Burns about how America’s founding principles remain relevant to governance today.
www.pbs.org
Our People
Our Work
Events
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).
Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi: Congress as a Cornerstone of American Democracy
Speaker Emerita of the House Nancy Pelosi speaks on the important role Congress plays in meeting Americans’ needs.
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The New History of Fighting Slavery
"The events of the Haitian Revolution reshaped the history of North America," writes Karsh Institute Academic Director Laurent Dubois in "The Atlantic."
www.theatlantic.com
A Declaration for the Future
Three Longwood University seniors had a unique opportunity to participate in Declaration Next, a two-day summit hosted by the Karsh Institute that brought together college students from across Virginia to draft a “Declaration for the Future of American Democracy.”
www.longwood.edu
Why Democracy Depends on Watchdog Agencies
As laws, institutional norms, and political pressures collide, effective oversight reinforces the principle that no officeholder is above the law.
The Karsh Institute’s 2025 Reading List
Throughout 2025, the Karsh Institute convened authors of notable new books—leaders across policy, history, law, and journalism—for conversations that examined the forces shaping democracy today.