Opening Keynote Conversation | Contents Under Pressure: Democracy in Crisis

• Legal, Politics & Economics

Democracy is “the worst form of government except all those other forms that have been tried from time to time.”  – Winston Churchill.

Liberal Democracy has always been tested, but today the threats seem especially serious and the stakes higher than before – particularly in America, the birthplace of modern freedoms. Can our system of government withstand the postmodern pressures of relentless media, corporate ambitions, political upheaval, and a purposefully divided electorate? Or is the Democratic Ideal itself too fragile to survive without fundamental change? Join Sherrilyn Ifill and Professor Lawrence Lessig in conversation with Bill T. Jones on the implications of our present moment, and the risks and opportunities for change.

A performance by world-renowned puppeteer Matt Acheson will open the keynote conversation.