Morning Breakout Sessions

International Perspectives on Democracy: A View From Non-Democratic Political Systems

Buba Misawa, Ph.D., Professor and Chair, Political Science; Director of International Studies, Washington & Jefferson College

This student panel will discuss the notions of democracy and democratic principles from the perspectives of non-democratic systems of government around the world.  Facilitated by Dr. Buba Misawa, a panel of international students will talk about the complicated relationships between culture and democracy in different political systems, with a specific focus on the political systems of their respective home countries. Room 103

Religion and We are the People(s)

Cynthia A. Hogan, Ph.D., Visiting Assistant Professor of Religious Studies, Washington & Jefferson College

Dr. Hogan will facilitate a roundtable conversation with W&J students and guests on the ways that religion can either help or hinder modern democratic views of an inclusive, pluralist, and informed citizenry. Room 203

The Future of Democracy in America and Around the World

James Arvanitakis, Ph.D., Fulbright Fellow: the Milward L. Simpson Visiting Professor, University of Wyoming; Pro Vice Chancellor (Research and Graduate Studies), Western Sydney University

Contemporary democracies around the world, be it the United States or Australia, have shown themselves to be resilient to shocks: From terrorist attacks to natural disasters, citizens rally and work cooperatively. Despite this, a number of social and political trends are causing fractures which are dividing us. How can these trends be addressed and overcome? These divisions are not inevitable, but we must find ways to respond to ensure the long-term health of our democratic institutions. Room 109

Fragile Democracies in Latin America

H.J. Manzari, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Spanish; Spanish Coordinator; Director of Latin American Studies, Washington & Jefferson College; Student Panelists: Nicole Palacios Icaza, Domenica Palacios Icaza, Selena Easley, Isabelle Kratz, Kole Morton, Chynna Wilcox, Morgan Krause, Jose Atiles, Visiting Assistant Professor of Criminology, Law and Society- Department of Sociology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

We will look at the fragile state of democracy in a few Latin American countries.  In particular, we will focus on Chile, Ecuador, Bolivia and our own Puerto Rico. We will explore the frustration felt by many of the peoples of these countries with regards to the current political climate as well as the most recent protests and destabilization of governments. Room 114/Yost Auditorium