The University of Virginia was founded on a bold democratic ideal: to cultivate informed citizens capable of self-governance.
That vision, set forth by Thomas Jefferson, continues to shape UVA’s enduring commitment to democratic principles, public service, and civic leadership.
The Karsh Institute of Democracy is a natural extension of this legacy. As a nonpartisan, pan-University institute, we serve as a hub for collaboration, bringing together scholars, students, practitioners, and communities to strengthen democracy through research, teaching, public engagement, and real-world solutions. By connecting and amplifying democracy-focused work that has flourished across the University for decades, we unify expertise across disciplines and regularly collaborate with others to create high-impact programs that extend UVA’s reach far beyond Grounds.
Frequent UVA collaborators include:
The Center for Politics
The Center for Politics was founded to overcome the notion that politics thwarts the proper function of government. Since its inception more than a quarter century ago, the Center has established conferences, publications, programs, and curricula to advance democracy and to equip people to better understand politics and government.
College and Graduate School of Arts & Sciences
As UVA’s largest academic unit, the College and Graduate School of Arts & Sciences fosters democratic inquiry through teaching and research across a wide range of disciplines. From politics and philosophy to history and media studies, A&S faculty and students explore the foundations, contemporary challenges, and evolving practices of democracy in the U.S. and around the world.
The Frank Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy
The Batten School develops the next generation of ethical leaders who bridge divides to bring people together to serve the public good. With a multidisciplinary faculty of teachers, scholars, and practitioners, the school is committed to constructive dialogue and evidence-based knowledge to solve the world’s toughest problems.
The Karsh Center for Law and Democracy
The Karsh Center for Law and Democracy is a nonpartisan legal center at the University of Virginia School of Law. Its mission is to foster understanding of the principles essential to a healthy democracy, including civil discourse, civic engagement, ethical leadership, and respect for the rule of law.
The Miller Center of Public Affairs
The Miller Center is a nonpartisan institution at the University of Virginia that explores how the U.S. presidency addresses national priorities and engages scholars with leading citizens to help solve major problems.