FIU’s “Struggle for Democracy” Panel Highlights Issues Surrounding Democracy Around the World

Angela Rivas / Staff Writer

The fight for democracy is prominent around the world, ranging from totalitarian countries to here in the United States.

 In FIU’s “Struggle for Democracy” panel, speakers brought light to issues surrounding democracy, and the long path we all have ahead to redeem it. 

This panel, moderated by Fred Hiatt from the Washington Post, was held on the first day of FIU’s State of the World Conference. The conference was held virtually due to global pandemic.

Panelists included Mike Abramowitz, president of Freedom House, Nicole Sedaca, a professor of the practice of international relations at Georgetown University, Derek Mitchell, president of the National Democratic Institute, and Daniel Twining, president of the International Republican Institute. 

The event began with brief introductions from the panelists and their worries on the fate of democracy. 

Sedaca started by saying misinformation shared through the internet by countries such as Russia is a worry for her. 

“The sense of accurate information has been lost in many countries,”said Sedaca.“They’re losing trust in institutions.”

Digital algorithms can also contribute to misinformation which can fundamentally impact democracy. 

“The inability to have quality information and the difference between a lie and authentic information is a huge challenge for democracy,” said Mitchell. 

Mitchell also believes technology is a wildcard which has affected democratic processes. 

The panel then transitioned to Hiatt, who spoke on the Biden administration wanting to return to democracy and resuming a role of leading and promoting it.

Sadaca responded by saying the U.S. has to learn how to overcome challenges in democracy, not strive to be perfect. 

The insurrection on the U.S. Capitol was also brought up.

“The United States has never been perfect. We didn’t lose [a] perfect track record on January 6,” said Sedaca. 

The capitol insurrection could be seen as a failure to democracy to those who want to see the United States tarnished, according to Secada; but, she is firm that the values of democracy did not change that day. 

These values of democracy are still prominent among young people around the world who live in countries in which they have no governmental freedom. 

Many young people are taking to the streets to have their voices heard by their governments.

“What we are seeing around the world are [young] people who still have a demand to have a say in their own affairs,” said Mitchell. 

More prominently, in totalitarian countries such as Russia, many are risking their lives to protest for their freedom.

 “The courage of activists on the ground. They believe and understand the promise of democracy,” said Sedaca. 

Hiatt turned the conversation over to the concept of misinformation and disinformation. This brought up discussions over the U.S. 2020 presidential election and the accusations of fraudulent votes. 

Hiatt said he saw algorithms which promote fake news and conspiracy theories as a way to keep users on longer, but leads to misinformation which affects democracy. 

Mitchell explained how the technology algorithms need to change and does not need to suppress truthful voices. He also stressed the importance of coming together in digital spaces, not pulling apart. 

The moderator ended the panel by asking the panelists what is something that gives them hope for the future of democracy. 

“The resilience that people have, that natural drive,” said Mitchell. “It still remains very strong.” 

Abramowitz said how the incredible amount of great investigating reporting gives him hope.

“Information is key to unlocking the end of dictatorship,” he said, and commented on what the past year has meant for democracy.
 “2020 was not a good year for democracy at all,” said Abramowitz. “We still have a great brand, it is just severely tarnished.”

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