Global Experts to Examine Democracy Under Threat

It may seem strange to begin our February e-News with the California wildfires, but our longtime and much-loved Camden Conference moderator, David Brancaccio, and his poet wife Mary, were among thousands of Southern California residents whose homes were destroyed by the fires in January. Our hearts go out to the Brancaccios, whose Altadena home went up in flames, and the many other Californians who lost so much to the inferno. Despite their loss, the Brancaccios will return to Maine in February and David will once again serve as our peerless moderator as leading scholars, diplomats, and journalists from around the world will gather in Camden for the 38th annual Camden Conference: Democracy Under Threat: A Global Perspective, February 21-23, 2025. David brings deep knowledge of global affairs, incisive questioning, and deft humor to his role, skillfully guiding speakers and audience through complex and critical discussions.

Nobel laureate Maria Ressa, CEO of the Philippines’ leading digital news site Rappler, will deliver the keynote address, Facts Matter—Hold the Line, to a sold-out Camden Opera House audience. The event will also be live streamed to the Strand Theater in Rockland and the Lunt Auditorium in Falmouth, where tickets are still available.

The Conference continues Saturday morning with David Stasavage exploring democracy’s origins and conditions for success, and Matthew Goodwin analyzing the rising influence of populism. Goodwin, known for challenging conventional wisdom about threats to democracy, has sparked heated debate in Britain with his critique of ideological conformity in universities.

Throughout Saturday distinguished speakers will examine democracy’s challenges. David Elcott investigates religion’s role in populist movements, Joshua Tucker analyzes social media’s impact on political polarization, former U.S. Ambassador John Shattuck discusses Hungary’s drift toward authoritarianism under Viktor Orban, and Jennifer McCoy examines Venezuela’s democratic decline.

Sunday morning opens with two crucial perspectives on democracy’s future. Maine-based author and journalist Colin Woodard addresses The Enduring Crisis in U.S. Democracy: How We Got Here and What We Can Do about It, followed by Hal Brands presenting Democracy: A Global Outlook. The conference culminates in a final panel bringing together all speakers to synthesize the weekend’s insights and engage with audience questions about democracy’s challenges and prospects.

Each presentation throughout the Conference includes dedicated time for discussion and questions, with audience participation from the Camden Opera House as well as satellite venues and households and classrooms worldwide. As part of the Conference’s long-standing education programs, more than 100 high school and college students from Maine will attend at the Opera House, adding energy and insights to the discussions.

The Camden Conference, a volunteer-run organization dedicated to fostering informed discourse on world issues, proudly serves as a bridge between Maine and global affairs.

For tickets to the Strand Theater or Lunt Auditorium venues, virtual access, or to join the Camden Opera House wait list, please click HERE.