About Us

We are dedicated to a future in which democracy’s aspirations and reality are aligned.

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Mission and Story
Democracy @ UVA
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By the Numbers

The Karsh Institute connects people and ideas across disciplines to strengthen democracy through research, teaching, and public engagement.

Our People

Get to know our leadership and staff, advisory board, and affiliated faculty and fellows.

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Leadership and Staff
Advisory Board
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Melody Barnes

Founding executive director Melody Barnes leads the Institute on an action-oriented path to realizing the promise of democracy in both principle and practice.

Our Work

Learn more about how we are confronting the key challenges to democracy.

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Featured Initiatives

Explore key Karsh Institute projects that study and strengthen democracy, from local journalism to global ideals and civic dialogue.

Events

Explore events hosted and supported by the Karsh Institute.

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Democracy360
Event Series

Democracy360

The Karsh Institute's biennial Democracy360 convenes leaders and citizens to explore bold ideas and shape the future of democracy.

Touchstones of Democracy

This event series takes a deep dive on key moments, places, thinkers, and texts that inform the history and principles of democracy.

Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi

Speaker Emerita of the House Nancy Pelosi speaks on the important role Congress plays in meeting Americans’ needs.

News

Read the latest news and stories from the Karsh Institute.

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Recent

Making Democracy Flourish in the Classroom July 2, 2026
Toward a More Perfect Union July 1, 2026
CHS Teacher Uses Karsh Institute Fellowship to Reframe U.S. History July 1, 2026

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Support the Karsh Institute’s work realizing the promise of democracy.

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Our Building

The Karsh Institute Building

Opening in 2027, the Karsh Institute’s new building will be a hub for research, collaboration, and public engagement around democracy.

News

News | June 25, 2026

June 25, 2026

The American Revolution Was Never Just About America

Historian Iris de Rode is working to shed light on the European alliances and ideas that helped fuel American independence.

Pagination

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Karsh Institute of Democracy

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Email: karshinstitute@virginia.edu

Email: karshinstitute@virginia.edu

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