CMIR Seminar Series | The Global State of Democracy 2026: Democracy in an age of conflict

 

This presentation draws on International IDEA's 2026 Global State of Democracy Report, to examine two interconnected global trends: the accelerating decline in democratic quality worldwide - including a case study on the United States - and the relationship between democratic decline and violent conflict.

 

Drawing on GSoD Indices and the Uppsala Conflict Data Program, the presentation explores how weakening democratic institutions can heighten the risk of conflict, and how strong institutions can serve as a buffer against violence.