Between Democracy and Authoritarianism in Asia: Opportunities, Challenges, and the United States' Changing Role

Event Instances

• Tuesday, April 21, 2026 5:30 P.M.

Event Details

Join the Center for Asia Democracy and the Christina Lee Brown Envirome Institute for the 2026 Annual Lecture on Asian Democracy featuring Tony Banbury, President and CEO of the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES)

Autocrats across Asia are using both old tricks and new technologies to tighten their grips on power, while societies including Bangladesh and Nepal have experienced popular uprisings that demanded democracy and fundamental change. As these battles play out, the roles taken by youth and technology have moved to the forefront, while the dynamics of Russia and China moving into spaces ceded by the United States have had momentous impacts on democratic trajectories in countries all over Asia.

What are democracy’s prospects in Asia, as autocrats advance and populations seek to reverse those tides?  What are the impacts of cuts to democracy assistance by the United States and other key donors reducing and reprioritizing their aid budgets?  Most importantly, how can pro-democracy forces in Asia and their supporters and allies around the world, counter authoritarianism and build momentum amid so many challenges and threats?

Registration is required. Use code AsianDemocracy when completing registration
In person and livestream options available - select online option to recieve stream link