Join the Institute for Policy and Social Research for our October 2025 research luncheon! Lunch will be provided. Please email ipsr@ku.edu if you would like to attend. Let us know if you require any accommodations or have any dietary restrictions.

Narrative Leadership for Turbulent Times: How Words and Standards Matter When Democracy, Rights, and Equality Are On the Line

Chris Koliba (Edwin O. Stene Distinguished Professor, School of Public Affairs and Administration)

Is there common agreement on what exactly constitutes the social contract of our liberal democracy? There is reason to suspect that the answer is no. Drawing on an extensive and ongoing investigation of the political philosophy and constitutional designs of small “l” liberal democracies, a set of seven standards of democratic accountability are shared. These standards are applied to the analysis of recent critical events in the United States—pointing to the erosion of democratic standards. Findings from a project funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation examining the role of state preemption over health equity, housing, and wage policies will be shared. The relationship between democracy standards and the use of words like equity, equality, and inclusion are considered in light of present events and contexts.

IPSR is a research center supporting social scientists who focus on social problems and policy-relevant questions. Our monthly research luncheons provide a space for affiliated faculty and staff researchers to share their own ongoing work with the KU community.