In today's increasingly polarized world, democracies face significant challenges from rising autocratic tendencies. This panel discussion, titled "Strengthening Democratic Resilience: Strategies for Countering Autocracy in Polarized Societies," seeks to examine the multifaceted relationship between polarization and the erosion of democratic norms, and to identify effective strategies for reinforcing democratic resilience.
The panel will commence with an exploration of global autocratic trends, highlighting common patterns and dynamics of democratic backsliding in polarized societies. The initial focus will be on understanding how autocratic regimes exploit societal divisions to consolidate power, and the warning signs that democracies must heed to prevent such backsliding.
The panel will then present lessons from various countries such as Mexico, the United States and Poland that have successfully resisted autocratization, offering historical and contemporary case studies that demonstrate effective strategies for maintaining democratic integrity. These case studies will provide practical insights into how different societies have navigated the challenges posed by polarization and autocratic threats.
The need for inclusive political institutions will also be addressed, with discussions on how reforms can mitigate polarization by encouraging broader political participation and representation. By building more inclusive and participatory political systems, societies can reduce the appeal of autocratic solutions and strengthen democratic resilience.
Finally, the panel will delve into nonviolent resistance strategies, highlighting practical methods for grassroots movements to challenge autocratic power while maintaining peaceful approaches. These strategies will be drawn from a range of successful nonviolent movements around the world.
This panel aims to not only diagnose the challenges but also to offer actionable solutions, providing a comprehensive and practical roadmap for countering autocracy in polarized societies. By bringing together a diverse array of insights, the panel seeks to inspire participants to implement strategies that reinforce democratic norms and institutions in their own contexts.