What We Do

About the Forum

The International Forum for Democratic Studies is a leading center for analysis and discussion of the theory and practice of democracy around the world. Bridging the gap between academic research and the practice of democracy, Forum initiatives include publishing the Journal of Democracy, housing fellowship programs for democracy activists and researchers, and organizing events. Through its Power 3.0 blog and other products, the Forum also fosters discussion on modern challenges to democracy, from transnational kleptocracy and authoritarian influence to risks emanating from the evolving global information space.
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  • Power 3.0
    Blog and Podcast

    The Forum's blog and podcast explore how authoritarians survive and thrive in the globalized age and how democracies contend with this challenge.

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  • Latest
    Resources

    A selection of resources from the International Forum for Democratic Studies.

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  • Focus
    Areas

    Major themes explored by the Forum include authoritarian influence, transnational kleptocracy, the information space, and democracy and civil society.

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  • NDRI
    Network

    The Network of Democracy Research Institutes (NDRI) is a global network of think tanks that focus on democratization.

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WHAT WE’RE UP TO

LATEST Forum NEWS

May 25, 2021

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Reputation Laundering in the University Sector of Open Societies: An International Forum Working Paper

An International Forum working paper on reputation laundering by kleptocrats in the university sector of open societies.

May 27, 2021

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Disinformation Roundup: News from the International Forum

A selection of recent resources from the International Forum for Democratic Studies on disinformation and other threats to the integrity of the information space.

May 12, 2021

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The Long Arm of the Strongman: How Authoritarian Regimes Use Sharp Power to Threaten Democracies

Writing for Foreign Affairs, NED vice president for studies and analysis Christopher Walker and senior program officer Jessica Ludwig examine how authoritarian powers are exerting sharp power within democracies, and identify a full-spectrum...

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June 29, 2021

Reputation Laundering and Universities: Implications for Democracy and Freedom of Expression

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
The International Forum for Democratic Studies will host a discussion based on a recent working paper entitled “Paying for a World Class Affiliation: Reputation Laundering in the University Sector of Open Societies,” that will discuss the ways in which transnational kleptocracy targets universities, and its resulting influence on freedom of expression and democracy around the world.
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NED Forum

Events

Jun 18 VIEW EVENT

Report Launch | A Full-Spectrum Response to Sharp Power:...

11:00 AM- 12:30 PM

The International Forum launched its final report, "A Full-Spectrum Response to Sharp Power: The Vulnerabilities and Strengths of Open Societies," and reflected on lessons learned from its series examining Sharp Power and Democratic Resilience.
May 26 VIEW EVENT

The Rise of Digital Repression: How Technology is Reshaping...

11:00 AM- 12:00 PM

Steven Feldstein discussed his new book, "The Rise of Digital Repression: How Technology is Reshaping Power, Politics, and Resistance," which analyzes the challenges digital repression poses to the integrity of democratic systems globally.
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Publications

  • Double-Edged Sword: China's Sharp Power Exploitation of Emerging Technologies

    A Sharp Power and Democratic Resilience series report exploring how the People’s Republic of China leverages emerging technologies to undercut democracies’ stability and legitimacy while expanding its own influence.

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  • Paying for a World Class Affiliation: Reputation Laundering in the University Sector of Open Societies

    An International Forum working paper on reputation laundering by kleptocrats in the university sector of open societies.

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  • Transnational Kleptocracy and the COVID-19 Pandemic: Containing the Spread

    The essays in this "Global Insights" series assess the intersection between COVID-19 and transnational kleptocracy from the perspective of civil society, journalists, and researchers.

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  • Journal of Democracy

    In the Journal of Democracy's April issue, expert contributors consider what shifting world values mean for the future of democracy, how enduring China's dictatorship will be, and the mixed legacies of the 2020 U.S. election.

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