The Autocratic Challenge to Liberal Democracy and the Future of Global Development

The Center on Democracy, Development and the Rule of Law (CDDRL) was established in 2002 — a more optimistic time for the spread of democracy, development, and good governance. In the wake of the end of the Cold War democratic governance was on the rise, buoyed by economic growth and technological advancements.

Twenty years later, however, the world looks very different. Democracy is under threat globally from populism, authoritarianism, and inequality. Technological change has proven to be both a force for positive change and a tool in the hands of leaders seeking to enhance social control rather than enable freedom. The research, education, and training programs at CDDRL have made important contributions in adapting to this trajectory of change over the last two decades.

This roundtable discussion on November 3, 2022, commemorated the Center's 20th anniversary with CDDRL directors past and present reflecting on two decades of global transformation.

SPEAKERS

Coit Blacker
Senior Fellow Emeritus & Director, Emeritus, Freeman-Spogli Institute for International Studies

Larry Diamond
Mosbacher Senior Fellow in Global Democracy, Freeman-Spogli Institute for International Studies and Senior Fellow, Hoover Institution

Francis Fukuyama
Olivier Nomellini Senior Fellow, Freeman-Spogli Institute for International Studies and Director of the Master’s in International Policy Program

Michael McFaul
Director, Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies; Ken Olivier and Angela Nomellini Professor of International Studies, Department of Political Science; Peter and Helen Bing Senior Fellow, Hoover Institution

Kathryn Stoner
Mosbacher Director, Center on Democracy, Development and the Rule of Law; Senior Fellow, Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies; Professor of Political Science and Senior Fellow, Hoover Institution (both by courtesy)

Moderator: Didi Kuo
Associate Director for Research, Senior Research Scholar, Center for Democracy, Development and the Rule of Law