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.

Map of United States, with a space between each state
News | March 7, 2025
March 7, 2025

Federal Actions Could Lead to Unlikely State Allies

"The balance of power between the states and the federal government is a critical part of the design of our representative democracy, as important as the division of power and checks and balances between the judicial, legislative and executive branches of the federal government," writes the Karsh Institute's director of research.

Q&A graphic with Judge Griffith and professor Payvand Ahdout
News | March 10, 2025
March 10, 2025

From the Constitution to the Courtroom

In the first six weeks of the second Trump administration, there have been more than 100 cases brought before U.S. federal courts challenging policies and executive orders. What does the unprecedented speed and number of these cases mean for the future of American democracy?

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.

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.

Innovations in Local Journalism event in October 2024
News | January 8, 2025
January 8, 2025

Strengthening Democratic Culture Through Innovations in Local Journalism

Local news is an essential building block of a vibrant democracy. But the shuttering of local media outlets, underfunded newsrooms, and declining trust in information threaten the nation's democratic health. The Karsh Institute is partnering with Virginia Humanities to examine ways to combat this challenge.

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