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Launch of The Global State of Democracy Report 2026: Democracy in an Age of Conflict

Date
15 September 2026
Time
16:30-18:00 CEST
Location
Virtual
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Can democracy withstand an age of conflict?

Join us for the live launch of International IDEA’s 2026 edition of the flagship Global State of Democracy Report 2026: ‘Democracy in an Age of Conflict’ on 15 September 2026, 16:30-18:00 CEST. Be part of the conversation and share your reflections using #GSoD2026 and #DemocraticResilience.

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  • Join live on International IDEA's YouTube channel 🔴

Now in its eighth edition, the Global State of Democracy Report continues to deliver high level, evidence based analysis on democratic performance worldwide, offering a trusted resource for understanding global democratic trends.

This year’s report examines two urgent and interconnected themes. The first section reviews shifts in democratic quality across regions, including an in depth case study on the implications of declining democratic standards in the United States and how these developments reverberate across the international rule of law landscape.

The second section presents a thematic analysis of the democracy-security nexus. Drawing on data from the GSoD Indices and the Uppsala Conflict Data Program, the report illustrates how varying levels of democracy shape the likelihood of conflict, both within countries and across borders. The findings shed light on how democratic decline can heighten insecurity, and how strong democratic institutions can serve as a buffer against violence.

The launch event will offer an exclusive first look at the report's findings, followed by a panel discussion with leading experts on the relationship between democracy, conflict and security. Participants will also have the opportunity to engage directly with the speakers during a live Q&A session.

Join us on 15 September. Engage with experts and share your own reflections during the discussion

Programme updates coming soon.


 

Agenda items

Opening remarks

  • Dr Kevin Casas-Zamora, Secretary General, International IDEA

Presentation of the Global State of Democracy 2026 Report: Democracy in an Age of Conflict

  • Dr Seema Shah, Head of Democracy Assessment team, International IDEA

Panel Discussion

  • Dr Åsa Wikforss, Professor of theoretical philosophy and member of the Swedish Academy
  • Dr Robert Egnell, Vice-Chancellor of the Swedish Defence University 

Third panel member TBC

Moderated by: Ms Katarzyna Gardapkhadze, Director of Global Programmes, International IDEA

Questions & Answers

Closing remarks

  • Ms Katarzyna Gardapkhadze, Director of Global Programmes, International IDEA
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