A Global Turning Point for Democracy? A Celebration of Larry Diamond
The International Forum for Democratic Studies and the National Endowment for Democracy host leading democratic scholars for a conversation on the impact of Larry Diamond’s analysis on the study of democracy with the Journal of Democracy coeditors. As part of the event, the International Forum and the NED will feature a critical discussion on how democratic coalitions and solidarity can combat the threat of modern challenges to democracy, such as global authoritarian influence and threats to the integrity of the information space. As part of this event, the NED will also honor Larry Diamond with the Democracy Service Medal in acknowledgment of his many achievements and contributions to the advancement of democracy and human rights.
AGENDA
4:00 – 4:10 pm: Welcome and Introduction
Damon Wilson, President & CEO, National Endowment for Democracy
4:10 – 4:45 pm: “Larry Diamond and the Study of Democracy”
Will Dobson, co-editor, Journal of Democracy
Larry Diamond, former co-editor of the Journal of Democracy and Senior Fellow at Stanford University
Tarek Masoud, co-editor of the Journal of Democracy and Professor of Democracy and Governance, Harvard University
4:45 – 5:40 pm: “A Global Turning Point for Democracy”
E. Gyimah Boadi, Chairman and Cofounder, Afrobarometer
Francis Fukuyama, Senior Fellow, Stanford University
Carl Gershman, Former President, National Endowment for Democracy
Alina Mungiu-Pippidi, Professor of Governance Studies, Hertie School of Governance
Christopher Walker, Vice President for Studies and Analysis, National Endowment for Democracy
5:40 – 6:00 pm: Democracy Service Medal Presentation honoring Larry Diamond
Damon Wilson, President & CEO, National Endowment for Democracy
Marc F. Plattner, Member of the Board of Directors, National Endowment for Democracy
Kenneth Wollack, Chairman of the Board of Directors, National Endowment for Democracy
ABOUT THE DEMOCRACY SERVICE MEDAL
The cast bronze medallion, which reads simply, “For Service in the Cause of Democracy,” was first awarded to the former Polish President and founder of the Solidarity trade union movement Lech Walesa, and former AFL-CIO President Lane Kirkland. It was presented in April 1999 on the 10th anniversary of the roundtable agreement that led to the peaceful transition to democracy in Poland. It has since been presented to a wide range of individuals who have demonstrated through personal commitment, their dedication to the advancement of freedom and human rights, and to the building of democratic institutions.