Global democratic challenges due to pandemic examined in webinar

The Mario Einaudi Center for International Studies and the Institute of Politics and Global Affairs, both units of Global Cornell, will present a panel discussion, “Democratic Challenges in the Time of COVID-19: Global Perspectives,” May 22 from noon to 1:30 p.m. The virtual event, featuring faculty from the College of Arts & Sciences, is free; register in advance.

Panelists will offer perspectives from different international regions, including new developments in Africa, Europe, Southeast Asia and Latin America.

Co-organizers of the event are moderator Rachel Beatty Riedl, Einaudi Center director, John S. Knight Professor of International Studies and professor of government; and panelist Ken Roberts, the Richard J. Schwartz Professor in the Department of Government. Panelists include Mabel Berezin, professor of sociology; Valerie Bunce, Aaron Binenkorb Professor of International Studies Emerita; and Thomas Pepinsky, professor of government.

They will discuss government responses to the pandemic in their regions and the implications for democratic rule, with a focus on autocratic rulers’ attempts to exploit the public health emergency to concentrate powers; restrict civil liberties and opposition rights; and undermine democratic checks and balances.