The election campaign in the US has confirmed a global trend that has been apparent for some time: democracies are under pressure. Liberal politics are on the decline worldwide as populations turn to authoritarian populist figures. Their answers to the pressing issues of our time are often nationalistic, simplistic, exclusivist and anti-pluralist. More than a third of the world's population is directly affected by developments in the USA or India, Russia and China, as well as some European countries such as Hungary - and the impact goes far beyond this. Civil societies everywhere are directly experiencing the ‘shrinking spaces’, the restrictions on their room for manoeuvre and opportunities for participation.
‘Democracy is not doing well in the world today’, Pope Francis also states, comparing the crisis of democracy to a “wounded heart”. Where democracy and the rule of law are under pressure, he warns, the protection of minorities often loses importance. He encourages Catholics around the world to stand up for justice and peace, to make their voices heard in the public sphere and to enable participation.
At a time when many democracies are facing increasing pressure and authoritarian tendencies, social inequality, disinformation and geopolitical tensions are palpable, it is crucial to analyse the causes and effects of these developments. What factors are contributing to the decline of democratic values in different regions of the world and what are the possible explanations? How can democracies be strengthened and made more resilient to internal and external threats? What role do international organisations and civil society actors play in defending and promoting democratic principles?
The 38th Annual Convention would like to explore these questions together with representatives from academia, politics and the church from around fifty KAAD countries and make a contribution to strengthening civil society actors, especially change agents.
KAAD Annual Convention 2025 Democracies under Pressure – Causes and strategies for action from a global perspective
Bonn, Haus Venusberg |
22.05.2025
- 25.05.2025