Read the latest news, commentary, and analysis from the Ash Center.
Feature
Contrary to conventional wisdom, the size and scale of anti-Trump protests this year have dwarfed those in 2017, and they have been extraordinarily peaceful. This article was originally published in Waging Nonviolence.
Newest
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Technology and democracy are at a crucial inflection point. The outcomes of the historic 2024 election year have revealed both the vulnerabilities and resilience of democratic institutions around the world. At the same time, rapid advancements in artificial intelligence are reshaping our lives, with social, economic, environmental, and geopolitical implications.
For those interested in learning more, the reading list below, curated by the GETTING-Plurality Research Network at the Allen Lab for Democracy Renovation, aims to reflect the urgency of the current moment. These books, articles, and videos explore the intersections of technology and democracy across disciplines, including philosophy, political theory, law, ethics, and policy. Together, they highlight the breadth of thought and impact related to technology’s role in our democratic lives, raising warnings and pointing to possibilities for the future.
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On July 4, 2026, America will celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. As this milestone approaches, the team at the Allen Lab for Democracy Renovation has curated a collection of books, podcasts, and events that explore the meaning and impact of the declaration from 1776 to today. Join us in revisiting the document itself, reflecting on its legacy, and considering the ongoing struggle to uphold democratic ideals.
Commentary
In a warning to lawmakers, cybersecurity expert Bruce Schneier testified before the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, sharply criticizing the Department of Government Efficiency’s (DOGE) handling of federal data. Describing DOGE’s security protocols as dangerously inadequate, Schneier warned that the agency’s practices have put sensitive government and citizen information at risk of exploitation by foreign adversaries and criminal networks.
Podcast
Over the past five years, Untying Knots has served as a vital platform for conversations about racial justice, systemic oppression, and community-driven change. Co-hosted by Erica Licht and Nikhil Raghuveera, the podcast — born from a Harvard Kennedy School course in 2020 — explored how people and institutions are working to dismantle entrenched systems of racial inequity while building new frameworks rooted in justice and accountability. As the podcast concludes, Licht and Raghuveera reflect on its origins, evolution, and enduring impact, offering insights into the lessons learned and the powerful voices that shaped its journey.
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Contrary to conventional wisdom, the size and scale of anti-Trump protests this year have dwarfed those in 2017, and they have been extraordinarily peaceful. This article was originally published in Waging Nonviolence.
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Caren Yap, MPP 25, drew on her immigrant background and Nevada roots to bring a powerful commitment to equity and community engagement to the Harvard Kennedy School, where she challenged institutional norms, built bridges between regions, and emerged more resolved than ever to serve and uplift Las Vegas.
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A collection of must-reads curated by Ash Center’s Reimagining Democracy team.
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The official start of Summer is almost here, and Stephen Richer, Senior Practice Fellow in American Democracy and former elected Maricopa County Recorder, shares his summer reading list with a range of books focused on his work of democracy and elections, as well as his personal favorites.
Media Release
The Harvard Project on Indigenous Governance and Development’s Honoring Nations program is thrilled to announce the selection of six outstanding tribal programs advancing to the site visit round for the 2025 awards.