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Rendering of the forthcoming Karsh Institute Building
News | October 8, 2025
October 8, 2025

Two Organizations Are Leading a Charge for Local Civic Engagement

Events like Democracy360 are essential for putting together the pieces of the collective American future. “Almost everything we hold to be true now was once an offensive idea held by the minority,” says panelist Sarah Isgur. “If we can’t teach the next generation how to debate ideas, this experiment will fail regardless of anything else we do.”

c-ville.com

Q&A with Jessica Kimmel Johnson and Laurent Dubois
News | February 5, 2025
February 5, 2025

Making the Case for Democracy

The Karsh Institute’s Laurent Dubois and Jessica Kimpell Johnson examine the moral and practical justifications for democracy, discuss how it can address the challenges of our time, and make the case for why—despite its imperfections—democracy remains the most compelling form of government.

Alexis de Tocqueville sketch
News | February 3, 2025
February 3, 2025

For Tocqueville, Oligarchy Threatens Civil Society and Solidarity

"Many have thought that declining civic health could be restored through a revitalization of civil society and a rebuilding of solidarity. A primary source for that perspective that is shared across the political spectrum is Alexis de Tocqueville’s 'Democracy in America,'” writes the Karsh Institute's research director.

President Trump's inauguration band in 2025
News | January 31, 2025
January 31, 2025

'Sound & Democracy': Inauguration Day 2025

A little more than 24 hours after President Donald Trump’s second inauguration, six UVA music students gathered to analyze the sounds—and silences—of the ceremony, examining how these auditory elements are part of the rituals and practices that both reflect and shape democratic culture.

Image of women during the Revolutionary War era
News | January 28, 2025
January 28, 2025

Women’s Everyday Experiences of War During the American Revolution

"Centering everyday experiences has the potential to broaden our understanding of the Revolution in order to consider the profound consequences of a prolonged military conflict waged among civilian populations," writes Lauren Duval, a Karsh Institute Gibson Fellow in Democracy.

thepanorama.shear.org

Illustration of a person's hand signing a document.
News | January 24, 2025
January 24, 2025

Executive Orders Are Old News, But They're Grabbing New Headlines

“It is not unusual for a president—within hours or days of inauguration—to sign executive orders to quickly advance new policies or reverse existing ones,” said Karsh Institute Executive Director Barnes.

news.virginia.edu

President Trump's inauguration 2025
News | January 20, 2025
January 20, 2025

Power Changes Hands in a Weakened America

Amid the presidential transition, the Karsh Institute's Melody Barnes joined Swiss National Radio’s Tout un Monde to examine the resilience of American institutions and strategies for safeguarding democracy.

www.rts.ch

Gentleman over 65
News | January 15, 2025
January 15, 2025

America’s Population Is Rapidly Aging. Can Philanthropy Keep Up?

While the highest share of people 65 and older can be found in the Northeast and Midwest, the fastest-growing aging populations are found in Southern and Western states, according to UVA's Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service.

johnsoncenter.org

The word "police" on a brick pathway
News | January 13, 2025
January 13, 2025

Charting AI Regulations for Ethical Law Enforcement

UVA Digital Technology for Democracy Lab's Maria Lungu writes that AI is increasingly becoming a key player in various sectors, and policing is no exception.

patimes.org