Conference Program

Although still unfolding, the contemporary crisis in democracy has been extensively studied. This paper asks the question whether universities can help to address the crisis, not only study it, and, if yes, how. The paper has three parts, First, it puts together a comprehensive critical inventory of methods, techniques and types of action in universities that can be identified as directly meant to contribute to addressing the crisis in democracy. This inventory includes various types of dedicated educational strategies and initiatives (some quite traditional, like civic education, others more recent and innovative, including digital components), research initiatives, advocacy, and public engagement models (such as, for example, online platforms for engagement). Second, it provides a framework for assessing the appropriateness and potential impact of these methods, techniques and institutional actions, taken individually or in their combinations in various concrete settings. Third, the paper discusses whether new modalities of engagement by universities in addressing the crisis of democracy are necessary and possible, considering both immediate and longer-term challenges in this area.