Democracy in Crisis. Europe and the Americas in an Age of International Disorder

In recent years, liberal democracies across Europe and the Americas have faced mounting pressures that have eroded their foundational institutions and norms. From the rise of populist parties and leaders to executive aggrandizement, democratic systems are increasingly vulnerable to autocratic and authoritarian tendencies that challenge the rule of law, civil liberties, and electoral integrity.

This roundtable brings together three scholars who will address these issues from different disciplinary perspectives: Nadia Urbinati (Columbia University), Raffaella Baritono (University of Bologna), and Sabrina Ragone (University of Bologna). Together, they will examine the structural, political, and cultural factors driving this democratic recession, with a comparative focus on case studies from Europe and the Americas.

Chaired by Giovanni Agostinis (University of Bologna), this roundtable aims to foster dialogue on potential pathways for democratic resilience in an era of acute political uncertainty and growing geopolitical tensions.