The free three-day event features an impressive lineup of speakers and The Atlantic as the official media partner

The University of Virginia’s Karsh Institute of Democracy today announced Democracy360, a vibrant exploration of democracy from every angle taking place Oct. 19–21 in Charlottesville with The Atlantic as the official media partner. The free multi-day event will bring together thought leaders, journalists, policymakers, scholars, activists, artists and students of all ages to exchange ideas, explore some of the biggest challenges to democracy today and ways to collectively shape a thriving democratic future.

“At the Karsh Institute of Democracy, we are dedicated to a future where democracy’s aspirations and reality are aligned – and rather than just talking about that future, we’re actively working to make it happen,” said Melody Barnes, executive director of the Karsh Institute. “Democracy360 brings that philosophy to life. The ideas exchanged and relationships built during these three days of robust programming will strengthen our collective work to invigorate the institutions, practices and cultural underpinnings that are the foundations of democracy.”

Democracy360 will feature lively public programming and engaging hands-on working sessions focused on a wide range of timely topics, as seen through the lens of democracy. Atlantic journalists will participate in a number of mainstage conversations, including an interview with former Illinois congressman Adam Kinzinger about his new book, “Renegade: Defending Democracy and Liberty in our Divided Country,” moderated by Atlantic editor-in-chief Jeffrey Goldberg. 

“The Atlantic is honored to partner with the Karsh Institute of Democracy on this inaugural summit,” said Goldberg. “The Atlantic has made its journalistic focus in recent years the fragility of democracy here and around the world. This is a topic that is only growing more urgent. I hope the conversations at Democracy360 will help us understand the current challenges to our democratic process."

The first slate of Democracy360 programming is now live with the full lineup to be announced in the early fall. Democracy360 events will take place at the University of Virginia as well as the historic Paramount Theater and various locations throughout downtown Charlottesville. Attendees can curate their own event itinerary based on their interests and will have opportunities to meet fascinating people and build generative relationships with others who care deeply about the future of democracy.

A key feature of Democracy360 is the diversity of events, points of view and democracy-related topics—from mainstage conversations with the country’s leading voices in democracy, to scholarly working sessions on topics such as climate and democracy, and voting rights in America, to a student debate series, and much more. 

“UVA has a long tradition of service to our democracy, and I’m grateful to Melody Barnes and the Karsh Institute for their leadership in designing Democracy360, a terrific opportunity to continue this work through robust and interactive dialogue,” said UVA president Jim Ryan. “I’m looking forward to three days of productive discussion informed by a diverse mix of perspectives, disciplines, sectors and fields, as well as the chance to connect with others who care deeply about the future of democracy in America and around the world.”

In addition to the conversation between Kinzinger and Goldberg, mainstage topics and speakers will include:

• “Big Tech's Effect on Democracy” featuring Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian, Deb Roy, director and principal investigator at the MIT Center for Constructive Communication, and journalist Kara Swisher, host of On with Kara Swisher and co-host of the Pivot podcast, as moderator.
   
• “Covering the White House” featuring New York Times chief White House correspondent Peter Baker, Fox News Washington correspondent Mike Emanuel, PBS NewsHour White House correspondent Laura Barrón-López, and former PBS NewsHour anchor Judy Woodruff as moderator. 
   
• “Civics 101: Educating Engaged Citizens and Future Leaders” featuring former U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan, Virginia Secretary of Education Aimee Rogstad Guidera, Lenore Rodicio, senior fellow at the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program, and UVA President Jim Ryan as moderator.
   
• 2024 election forecasting featuring New York Times columnist Jamelle Bouie, Tara Setmayer, senior advisor at The Lincoln Project, RealClearPolitics elections analyst Sean Trende, and Larry Sabato, director and founder of UVA’s Center for Politics, as moderator.
   
• “Public Media and Democracy” featuring WBUR Boston CEO Margaret Low, CEO and co-founder of Capital B Lauren Williams, Baltimore Banner editor-in-chief Kimi Yoshino, and moderator Evan Smith, co-founder of The Texas Tribune and distinguished fellow in journalism at the Karsh Institute and Virginia Humanities.

Democracy360 will also serve as the setting for a series of meetings with Karsh Institute partners, including the Lumina Foundation’s “Democracy in Higher Education” convening and More Perfect, a bipartisan initiative to engage institutions and Americans in protecting and renewing American democracy. 

Event programming will be produced by the Karsh Institute in partnership with schools and units across UVA, including the Center for Politics, College and Graduate School of Arts & Sciences, Frank Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy, Karsh Center for Law and Democracy, and the Miller Center of Public Affairs.

Democracy360 is free and open to the public, but registration is required to attend. Event seating is first come, first served. To request a press credential, please contact Erin Tör (erin.tor@virginia.edu).