2026 International Speaker Series
Democracy on the Edge: Power, Instability, and the Fight for the Future
Thursday, May 28th, 2026 | 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm | Virtual
About the Event
Democracy is under pressure around the world, and in regions like the Western Balkans and Eastern Europe, the shift away from authoritarian rule is far from guaranteed.
In many countries, reforms stall, institutions weaken, and progress can reverse quickly. What determines whether a democracy takes hold or slips backward?
This session cuts through the headlines to examine what is actually happening on the ground. Hear from experts on why some transitions succeed while others fail, what role civil society can realistically play, and what is at stake for U.S. foreign policy, global stability, and the future of democratic governance.
Speakers
Peter Clavelle
Former Mayor of Burlington; USAID Governance Expert
Moderated by
Gina Bjornlund
Vice President, Operations, Democracy International; Founding Member, Democracy Journeys