Road to Summit, The Hague programme of Peace and Justice

Democracy

Resilience of democracy in times of crises

Democracy is the cornerstone of inclusive and just societies, yet it’s constantly undermined by the increasing polarisation of our societies, disinformation, and rising authoritarianism. This theme explores how democratic processes can be strengthened, with a focus on civic participation, transparency, and trust in institutions.

It provides a platform for critical dialogue about the future of democracy. This theme examines the resilience of democratic systems in time of crisis, while exploring how political systems can become more inclusive, transparent, and responsive to restore trust and counteract polarization.

In an era where technology plays a dual role — supporting democratic ideals while threatening them through the spread of disinformation and use of artificial intelligence — this theme calls to reflect on the role of technology in empowering citizens and improving democratic decision-making and how we can regulate the influence of Big Tech and other disruptive forces to safeguard democracy.