Can Liberal Democracy Be Reclaimed?
We cordially invite you to a conference examining Regulation & Journalism in the Postfactual Age in collaboration with the Institute of International Affairs, University of Iceland.
13. 3. 2024 (9:00)
Language: English WorkLounge Příkopy
This conference marks the mid-point of the three-year EU-funded Horizon Europe project "Reclaiming Liberal Democracy in the Postfactual Age" . Based on a shared methodological framework, the project has the twin objectives of analyzing various aspects of the post-truth challenge to liberal democracy and using its own empirical findings to develop evidence-based policy recommendations on how to reclaim liberal democracy. The conference draws attention to two key aspects of the post-truth challenge: the need for high-quality journalism in liberal democracy and the role that regulation can play in ameliorating the post-truth challenge. Key researchers from the project will give an overview of their work in these areas and present the first findings from their empirical analyses .
The conference is co-organized by the Institute of International Relations Prague and the Institute of International Affairs, University of Iceland as part of the EU-funded Horizon Europe project "Reclaiming Liberal Democracy in the Postfactual Age".
Please, register below.
Day 1 13/03/2024
Registration
Keynote Speech
Panel 1: The Idea and Practice of Defending Democracy in the Era of Post-Truth in Europe
The contemporary political zeitgeist suggests that liberal democracy faces dual threats: externally from authoritarian forces and internally from the erosion of institutional and social structures, manifested in populist rhetoric and declining public discourse. This has led civil society and political leaders worldwide to advocate for the affirmation and defense of democracy. This panel aims to discuss these normative and conceptual debates: What does it mean to defend democracy, and from whom? How might this defense transform democracy and its regulatory implications? What is the balance between EU and national action? What are examples of best practices, and in which areas is there a need for increased action or improvement?
Coffee Break
Panel 2: Journalism as a Public Good: Assessing Evolving Demands in European News Consumption
The evolving media landscapes across Europe, shaped by digitalization and shifting consumption habits, pose challenges to journalism's role in democracy. Trust in news is waning, especially among younger demographics, sparking debates on journalism's future objectives and audience engagement. A novel survey conducted in Norway, Italy, and Poland in 2023 reveals a persistent belief in journalism as a vital public good despite fluctuating trust in traditional outlets. Yet, distinguishing credible sources from fake news remains a challenge. The survey raises key questions for this panel discussion: How can journalists deliver quality news when resources are scarce? Can new technologies like generative AI and social media enhance rather than undermine journalism? And how do we ensure quality journalism remains a public good amidst contemporary challenges?
Closing Remarks
Can Liberal Democracy Be Reclaimed?
Organizer
Ondřej Ditrych
Registration
Co-organizers
The conference is co-organized by the Institute of International Relations Prague and the Institute of International Affairs, University of Iceland as part of the EU-funded Horizon Europe project "Reclaiming Liberal Democracy in the Postfactual Age".