What can reverse democratic decline? Leading democracy scholar Larry Diamond to visit FSV UK

Professor Larry Diamond, an American political scientist at Stanford University and one of the world’s leading scholars of democracy and democratization, will visit the Faculty of Social Sciences, Charles University. In his lecture The Wave of Populist Authoritarianism, And How to Reverse It, he will address one of the most pressing challenges facing democracies today: the rise of populist authoritarianism and the strategies that can be used to counter and reverse this trend.

Date: Tuesday, 13 October 2026, 3:30 p.m.

Venue: Jinonice Campus, Hall C117

Registration: via the registration form

Democracy around the world is experiencing a period of significant decline. After decades of democratic expansion, a growing number of countries are seeing their democratic institutions weaken, while populist and illiberal political forces are gaining influence.

In his lecture, Professor Larry Diamond will examine the current wave of populist authoritarianism and the mechanisms driving its rise. He will explore how political polarization, economic and social insecurity, changes in political parties, social media, and the influence of authoritarian powers can create conditions for the erosion of democratic institutions.

The lecture will not focus solely on the causes of democratic decline. Diamond will also discuss strategies for reversing the wave of authoritarian populism – from overcoming political polarization and developing a compelling democratic alternative to strengthening the role of civil society and digital communication, restoring democratic institutions, and renewing international support for democracy.

Professor Larry Diamond is an American political scientist at Stanford University and a leading scholar of democracy and democratization. His work focuses on democratic development, the causes of democratic decline, and policies and reforms aimed at defending and advancing democracy around the world.

For more than 30 years, he served as the founding co-editor of the Journal of Democracy. He is the author of numerous books on democracy and the challenges it faces. Beyond academia, he has also worked with institutions including the United Nations, the World Bank, and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).

Photo: Forum 2000 Foundation