
Democracy demands new ideas.
Podcast
Harvard Morning Prayers: Archon Fung
Feature
From Crisis to Action: Turning the Tide on Democratic Erosion Through Organizing

Harvard’s hub for research and teaching on democracy
The Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation develops ideas and fosters practices for equal and inclusive, multiracial, and multiethnic democracy and self-governance.

Our Work
From expanding voting access to developing new strategies for antiracist organizational change, we tackle the most pressing issues facing democracy and democratic institutions around the world today.
Latest News

Commentary
Give Students a Chance To Be on the Right Side of History
Archon Fung explores the history of student activism at Harvard and argues that such movements often bring a rare sense of “moral clarity” to universities nationwide — a crucial benefit of free speech and peaceful protest.

Commentary
Can Election Facility Tours Improve Voter Confidence?
American democracy has faced a crisis of trust in elections, fueled by denialism and movements like “Stop the Steal”. Former Maricopa County recorder and Ash Senior Practice Fellow, Stephen Richer, outlines a potential solution in election administration by offering election facility tours. Finding that witnessing the election process firsthand significantly boosted trust in its integrity, highlighting transparency as a key tool to rebuild voter confidence.
Media Release
Honoring Nations 2025 Semifinalists Selected for Excellence in Governance Award
The Harvard Project on Indigenous Governance and Development’s Honoring Nations program is pleased to announce the selection of 18 semifinalists for the prestigious 2025 Honoring Nations awards.
Upcoming Events
Money in Politics–In the Era of Donald Trump and Eric Adams
In-Person Event
WCC 1015 (Wasserstein Hall, Harvard Law School)
12:20 pm – 1:20 pm EDT
What Is An Effective Protest Today?
Hybrid Event
JFK Jr. Forum
6:00 pm – 7:00 pm EDT

Public Support for Cross-Issue Compromises in the U.S.
In-Person Event
S250 in CGIS South, 1730 Cambridge St., Cambridge, MA
12:00 pm – 1:30 pm EDT