Democracy is under increasing strain. Authoritarian populists and nationalists too easily mobilize disaffected citizens, and electoral majorities leave exclusions, inequalities, and injustices unaddressed. Human rights are under assault in many countries, and basic capacities for collective provision of welfare and security are absent. Current global crises – wars, climate change, the COVID-19 pandemic, refugee flows, collective insecurity, inequality, xenophobia, and toxic forms of digital communication – pose threats to democracy where it exists and stall progress where democracy is weak or emergent. How do we respond to these varied threats to democracy and inclusive public participation in governance?

This panel will broadly explore political and socio-economic crises, their impacts, and how people are innovating on the ground to address these challenges.

We invite you to join the Participedia community as we continue to expand our understanding(s) of democratic innovations in times of crisis.

Panelists

Prof. Baogang He, Alfred Deakin Professor and Personal Chair in International Relations, Deakin University

Dr. Ameil Joseph, Professorship in Equity, Identity and Transformation; Academic Director, Community Engaged Research and Relationships; Associate Professor, McMaster University

Dr. Fiona Anciano, Senior Lecturer University of the Western Cape

Dr. Mark Warren, Harold and Dorrie Merilees Chair in the Study of Democracy, Professor, University of British Columbia

Dr. Françoise Montambeault, Associate Professor, Université de Montréal

Moderator

Dr. Bonny Ibhawoh, Senator William McMaster Chair in Global Human Rights; Director, Centre for Human Rights and Restorative Justice; Project Director, Participedia, McMaster University

More Information

This is a hybrid event. Registration options are provided for both in-person attendance at McMaster University (room # MDCL 1102) as well as virtual attendance via Zoom. This event will additionally be live streamed. If you have any questions, please email info@participedia.net.

McMaster University is located at 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, Ontario.

The City of Hamilton is situated upon the traditional territories of the Erie, Neutral, Huron-Wendat, Haudenosaunee and Mississaugas First Nations.