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

8:45 - 9:00 WorkLounge Příkopy

Registration

9:00 - 9:10 WorkLounge Příkopy

Welcome Remarks

Moderator: Mats Braun Director, Institute of International Relations Prague
BIO
9:10 - 9:30 WorkLounge Příkopy

Keynote Speech

Maximilian Conrad Professor of Political Science, University of Iceland; Principal Investigator of the RECLAIM project
BIO
9:30 - 10:30 WorkLounge Příkopy

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?

Luis Bouza García Associate Professor of Political Science, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid
BIO
Elena García Gutián Professor of Political Science, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid
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Jakub Eberle Senior Researcher, Institute of International Relations Prague
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Moderator: Mats Braun Director, Institute of International Relations Prague
BIO
10:30 - 10:50 WorkLounge Příkopy

Coffee Break

10:50 - 11:50 WorkLounge Příkopy

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?

Hans-Jörg Trenz Professor of Sociology of Culture and Communication, Scuola Normale Superiore, Florence
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David Klimeš CEO, Endowment Fund for Independent Journalism
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Aneta Zachová Editor-in-Chief, EURACTIV.cz
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Martin Moland Postdoctoral Fellow, ARENA Centre for European Studies, University of Oslo
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Jacopo Custodi Postdoctoral Researcher, Scuola Normale Superiore, Florence
BIO
Moderator: Mats Braun Director, Institute of International Relations Prague
BIO
11:50 - 12:00 WorkLounge Příkopy

Closing Remarks

Moderator: Ondřej Ditrych Senior Researcher and former Director, Institute of International Relations Prague
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Can Liberal Democracy Be Reclaimed?

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".