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Engaging Fans, Empowering Voters: How Professional Sports are Promoting Civic Engagement

The Ash Center hosted a discussion with representatives of the NBA, NFL Votes, the co-founder of Vet the Vote, and the Deputy Secretary of State of Georgia to discuss how these partnerships are succeeding at supporting voter participation and fair and secure elections.

Programs

Reimagining Democracy Program

Issues

Civic Engagement

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The Democratic Dismantling of Democracies: How Leaders Undermine the Systems That Elect Them
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Commentary

The Democratic Dismantling of Democracies: How Leaders Undermine the Systems That Elect Them

A recent panel discussion explored global patterns of democratic backsliding, focusing on the experiences of Venezuela, Thailand, and the United States. Moderated by Archon Fung, director of the Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation, the conversation shared insights into how democratically elected leaders systematically erode checks and balances to consolidate power. The panelists highlighted common tactics of democratic erosion, and also strategies for safeguarding democracy.

From Crisis to Action: Turning the Tide on Democratic Erosion Through Organizing
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Feature

From Crisis to Action: Turning the Tide on Democratic Erosion Through Organizing

In response to the recent anti-democratic patterns in the United States, the Ash Center hosted a panel of Harvard scholars to discuss how civil society can resist democratic backsliding through social mobilization and organizing.

More on this Issue

AI-powered bots and electoral participation: a view from the Venezuelan experience
ballot box in front of a tech background with a robot arm reaching for the ballot from the upper right corner

Commentary

AI-powered bots and electoral participation: a view from the Venezuelan experience

Drawing from her experience deploying an AI-powered chatbot to share accurate voting information during Venezuela’s recent election, Isabella Picón explains how AI technologies can enhance electoral participation and support pro-democracy movements.

Harvard Morning Prayers: Archon Fung
Harvard Memorial Church

Podcast

Harvard Morning Prayers: Archon Fung

Archon Fung, Winthrop Laflin McCormack Professor of Citizenship and Self-Government, was recently asked to give the Morning Prayer at Harvard’s daily service. It is conducted each weekday morning from 8:30 to 8:45 a.m. in Appleton Chapel during the academic term. The service consists of music, prayer, and a brief address by a member or friend of the University.

 

How AI Can Support Democracy Movements: Summary Report of a Research and Practice Workshop
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Occasional Paper

How AI Can Support Democracy Movements: Summary Report of a Research and Practice Workshop

Democracy movements are struggling to challenge autocratic governments, partly due to the changing technology landscape. This report summarizes a December 2024 workshop on the specific issue of AI adoption within democracy movements and offers some key recommendations.