Dr. Christopher Koliba, the Edwin O. Stene Distinguished Professor of Public Policy, Administration & Governance will present his inaugural lecture, "We Don’t Know What We’ve Got ‘til It’s Gone”: Standards for Taking Democracy Seriously" at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, October 30, 2024, in the Kansas Room at the KU Memorial Union. The event is free and open to the public. The event will also be livestreamed for those who cannot attend in person. Please register at the link below.

About the presentation:
"Public opinion polling in established and nascent democracies around the world shows people troubled by the state of their democracies, with some open to alternative forms of governance and showing receptivity to authoritarianism, intolerance, restriction of rights, and a willingness to entertain conspiracies and falsehoods.  These sentiments are legitimizing efforts to advance reforms and political platforms that could further erode democratic standards, leading to serious instances of “democratic backsliding.”  These trends should give us pause and push us to reflect on some of the foundational standards that have shaped democracy and why they are worth defending.  How, in a world of pluralistic values can individuals pursue their own definitions of “the good life”?  And how amidst this pluralism, can we peacefully co-exist or even advance a shared vision of a fair and just society?  These are the questions that classical, small-“l” liberalism is designed to address.  A set of seven democratic accountability standards based on principles relating to authority, rights, tolerance, and truth are shared, drawn from historical and contemporary political philosophies, liberal constitutions, and administrative precedence are presented. Survey results drawn from the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, and Poland are shared in light of them.  Recommendations for constructive actions to sustain and evolve democratic governance are offered."

Register HERE