Launch of The Global State of Democracy Report 2026: Democracy in an Age of Conflict
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: ‘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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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 how democratic decline and violent conflict interact. 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 violent conflict, 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 to hear from leading experts, contribute your own perspectives during the discussion, and share your takeaways using #GSoD2026 #DemocraticResilience
Programme updates coming soon.
Agenda items
16:30 – 16:40 | Opening remarks
Dr Kevin Casas-Zamora, Secretary General, International IDEA
16:40 – 17:00 | 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
17:00 – 17:45 | Panel Discussion
Moderated by: Ms Katarzyna Gardapkhadze, Director of Global Programmes, International IDEA
- Dr Åsa Wikforss, Professor of theoretical philosophy and member of the Swedish Academy
- Dr Robert Egnell, Vice-Chancellor of the Swedish Defence University
Ms Sirpa Rautio, Director of the EU Agency for Fundamental Rights
17:45 – 17:55 | Questions & Answers
17:55 – 18:00 | Closing remarks
- Ms Katarzyna Gardapkhadze, Director of Global Programmes, International IDEA
