This panel is convened in response to the pressing challenges facing constitutional democracy, human rights, and the rule of law worldwide. Recent scholarship has highlighted the threats of authoritarianism, democratic backsliding, and increasing political polarization. The panel will bring together international experts to examine the complex relationships between democracy, constitutionalism, and the rule of law in the context of political upheaval. The panel will also investigate the implications of sustainability and development for constitutional democracy, focusing on the intersections between economic inequality, climate change, and democratic stability.
Key Problems:
How can development policies be designed to promote democracy, human rights, and the rule of law while addressing the challenges of economic inequality and poverty?
What are the implications of climate change and environmental degradation for democracy and the rule of law, and how can environmental justice and participatory democracy be promoted in development contexts?
How can democratic governments and institutions promote coherence and coordination across different policy domains and levels of governance to address complex and interconnected challenges such as climate change, economic inequality, and social injustice?
What are the key factors that contribute to the rise of populist and authoritarian movements, and how can democratic institutions and civil society organizations respond effectively to these challenges while also addressing the underlying grievances and concerns that fuel them?
How can democratic institutions and processes be adapted to mitigate the negative impacts of social media and other digital technologies on democratic discourse and decision-making while also harnessing their potential to enhance citizen engagement and participation?