the future of democracy
This edition of the peace&justice café focused on democracy: where it stands, where it’s going, and what can be done to preserve it.
Democracy sits at a critical juncture. Independent monitors have noted that less than 20 percent of the world’s population now live in a ‘free’ country – the lowest level since 1995. From disinformation and political polarisation, to rising authoritarianism and the erosion of public faith in institutions, the current challenges to its resilience are myriad. Nonetheless, the drive from civil society to protect it remains despite these troubling trends.
If you want to know more about the event, you can read our report here.
dialogue on the future of democracy
Thijs Berman has been Executive Director of the Netherlands Institute for Multiparty Democracy (NIMD) since January 2019. He has more than 30 years of experience in media, politics, and international development. Berman began his career as a journalist, and then became a Member of the European Parliament for the Dutch Labour Party.
Carmen is a women’s rights activist working at EmpoderaME (Empower Me), a non-profit organisation dedicated to empowering women, adolescents and girls as integral leaders, transforming them into agents of change for society. The organisation promotes female participation and leadership in the social, political, civic, cultural, educational, scientific, and entrepreneurial spheres. Carmen is one of the main spokespersons for the organisation, and through her work, she focuses on the development of the organisation’s training and humanitarian assistance projects. Carmen has been engaged in human rights activism for five years and continues to document, disseminate and denounce human rights violations in Venezuela.
Khadija Patel pushes words on street corners. She is the Chairperson of the International Press Institute and the Head of Programs at the International Fund for Public Interest Media. She is the former editor in chief of the Mail & Guardian in South Africa and her journalism has been widely published. She is passionate about the enhancement and protection of global media as a public good.
Ben Wagner is Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Technology, Policy and Management and Director of the AI Futures Lab at TU Delft. He is also Professor of Media, Technology and Society at Inholland. His research focuses on the governance of socio-legal systems, in particular human rights in digital technologies, and designing more accountable decision-support systems.
community insights on the future of democracy
roundabout side sessions
1. Platform politics: Rethinking future of democracies in digital world (The London Story)
With Ritumbra Manuvie and Mariya Nadeem Khan
The session will take a deep dive into how disinformation and hate speech on key platform lead to real-world dystopia. It will provide information on actor networks, political behaviour, and platform responses from two geographies India and Netherlands. Using the example of India we will discuss the prevalence of hate speech and responses of the platforms to that hate speech. Using the example of the Netherlands we will discuss the prevalence of political disinformation and narrative distortion and the responses of the platform. Followed by an open discussion in the light of DSA and possibility of regulating platforms in the non-EU context.
2. Russian aggression against Ukraine: Possible implications on peace and democracy in post-soviet countries (International Alert)
With Irina Ulmasova-Olive
Our discussion in this session will focus on the potential role Russia’s war against Ukraine may have on the post-soviet countries and wider region. Additionally, we will consider what impact it might have on Ukraine itself and what challenges and perspectives could emerge in present situation or postwar.
3. Deliberative democracy as the way forward? (The Hague Academy for Local Governance)
With Juan Pablo Aguirre Broca
In this interactive roundabout session, we will discuss the concept of Deliberative Democracy (otherwise known as ‘mini publics’ or ‘citizen assemblies’) as a tool to enhance citizen participation and mitigate some of the deficiencies in current democracies. We will talk about what Deliberative Democracy is as a method, share our knowledge about and experiences with it, and deliberate on its strengths and weaknesses. We will conclude by compiling our findings, and by sharing these in plenary after the session.
4. Challenges and opportunities of the growing use of AI in the media for democracy (Amsterdam AI, Media and Democracy Lab)
With Tomas Dodds, Theresa Seipp, and Valeria Resendez
As AI-based technologies are increasingly used inside newsrooms worldwide, we need to pay attention to the impact these innovations have on journalistic cultures, values, and ideals. The impact of AI in the newsroom is not limited to journalists and their working cultures, as the growing use of AI also proves to change the media’s relationship with news consumers and affects democracy as a whole. AI can help users navigate through an overloaded media environment by helping them select relevant information. However, AI has also led to challenges for citizens, such as limited exposure to diversity and a lack of transparency in algorithmic decision-making. Accordingly, AI in the news triggers fundamental legal, normative, and ethical questions. The growing dependency on large tech platforms for AI implementation, news production, distribution, and consumption may incite new media concentration trends and opinion power shifts. Hence, it is crucial to rethink the applicable legal instruments to enable the competitiveness of the media vis-à-vis large tech platforms and protect democratic public values. During this discussion, we will look at how journalists adapt and appropriate these technologies into their daily routines, how users are interacting with newsrooms through intermediaries and how regulatory frameworks can empower journalists and users and preserve democratic public values.
5. The importance of meaningful youth participation in peace and reconciliation (Youth Peace Initiative)
With Marthe Hiev Hamidi and Jurre Blok
Young people are often the majority of the population in countries with ongoing peace processes. Yet, young people’s leadership and roles in transforming conflict, preventing violence, radicalisation and extremism are not adequately emphasised upon. Ensuring the active, systematic, and meaningful participation of youth in issues of peace and security is a demographic and democratic imperative. It is also a way of preventing mistrust in government institutions and armed conflict. Emerging evidence shows that youth participation can increase the legitimacy and sustainability of peace processes. During this roundtable we will discuss the importance of meaningful youth participation in peace and reconciliation processes and the connection to democracy. We will also dive into how youth can be meaningfully included, what youth themselves can do and what other parties can do to this regard. Besides that we will be able to bring to the table our own insights and experience of the obstacles and beneficiaries as youth-led organization in the realm of peacebuilding and policy making.
6. Smart Borders, Fundamental Rights and the Future of Fortress Europe (Boudewijn van Eerd)
With Boudewijn van Eerd
The European Union is increasingly relying on technology as part of their border and migration management strategy. Artificial intelligence, drones, and biometrics are increasingly pervasive at the external borders and far beyond. The topic of this roundabout discussion will be what the role of AI ought to be in the EU’s border and migration management; how can we align the EU’s democratic values and respect for fundamental rights with the use of AI and other technologies?
The EU is committed to leveraging novel technologies and to facilitating a globally competitive European technology sector. Furthermore, AI and other technologies are a core part of the EU’s strategy of reinforcing internal security, combating cross-border crime, terrorism and irregular migration. On the other hand, civil society organisations have expressed concern about the EU combining different databases to increase forced removals, externalising EU borders by providing other states with surveillance and digital identity technologies and training, and fear the upcoming AI Act will insufficiently address the technologies’ impact on vulnerable migrants and asylum seekers. Some of the main concerns, and the topic of this discussion, will be the impact of AI on the fundamental rights and the right to due process of migrants and asylum seekers. This concern is shared more broadly, with the Vatican even establishing a novel foundation dedicated to researching AI ethics, with special attention for their use in the context of borders and migration.
The session will start with a brief introduction followed by around 30 minutes of open discussion. Participants are encouraged to explore the sources provided above.
7. Why Rule of Law is key to the future of democracy and what is its fundamental connection to human rights and peace and justice (Netherlands Helsinki Committee)
With Marcela Rilovic, Sophie van de Meulengraaf and Aïcha Chaghouani
On both a local and international level, the Rule of Law is a key ingredient of life in a democracy – it forms the core of our trust in one another and the society we live in. And yet, we seem to have come to take certain principles of the Rule of Law for granted. At its core, Rule of Law is: – A strong, independent and accessible legal system: where judges are free of political and economic constraints and able to form fair and independent judgement, and where everyone has the possibility for free legal representation in court. – A political system free of corruption and nepotism: where officials serve the public and act in the best interest of citizens. – A critical civil society and a free press: where citizens can inform themselves, criticise and hold to account those in power. Respect for the rule of law is important always and everywhere, but in the EU it is also a fundamental part of the agreement entered into by each and every member state. If disrespect for rule of law continues, it opens the door for even greater violations of fundamental rights and the erosion of our democracies. Join us on 23 June for a roundtable at The Hague’s Humanity Hub to discuss the importance action to safeguard the Rule of Law, its fundamental connection to upholding human rights and peace and justice, in the EU and beyond, and to debate the role civil society can and should play in assisting and urging institutions & governments to ensure this happens.
8. The importance of film & dialogue about democracy: Supporting and using film in your work as an NGO (Movies That Matter)
With Tess van Bommel
Film is a powerful tool to strengthen human rights movements and to contribute to democratic and just societies. When used strategically, film can support and enhance the work of NGOs, international organisations, foundations and other philanthropists. In this roundabout session, we will have a look at several Movies that Matter films that touch upon justice and democracy related topics. Diving deeper into one of these films, you will learn more about the importance of film to strengthen your work as an NGO, discuss the various democracy related topics in these films and think about ways how to support the protagonist(s) in the film.
9. Impact of AI-driven disinformation on democracy (Office of the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media - Virtual)
With Deniz Wagner
In today’s digital ecosystem, the right to seek, receive and impart information is interposed by large online platforms that act as gatekeepers, who rely heavily on artificial intelligence (AI) to shape and arbitrate our online information spaces. AI tools are used to remove potentially harmful content. Yet, they are also deployed to enhance user engagement, sometimes by amplifying controversial, sensational and deceptive content (as has been exposed by Facebook whistleblower Frances Haugan). A particular challenge is the reckless and pervasive spread of disinformation, with AI acting as its amplifier; spreading such content at a scale that produces and exacerbates systemic challenges endangering democracy. Studies have found that falsehoods spread online significantly faster, deeper, and more broadly than the truth, in all categories of information. What we have been witnessing is a new form of attack on democracy. Flooding the online information space with all kinds of false, inaccurate and misleading information has become a powerful tool for creating chaos and sowing distrust in democratic institutions. This roundabout will explore the role of artificial intelligence in amplifying disinformation online, and the extent to which this poses a threat to the future of democracy.
More about Office of the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media
10. Gender equality: The canary in the coalmine of any democracy (WO=MEN - Virtual)
With Anne-Floor Dekker
When the rights of women and LGBTQI+ people are threatened, a democratic society is at stake. During this session we will unpack why violent extremist groups, conservative, autocratic and repressive regimes often turn to restricting women’s and girls’, but also LGBTQI+ people’s rights first, to show the entire society: we rule here.
11. Whistleblowing and anti-corruption lab (Whistleblowing International/National Whistleblowing Center - Virtual)
With Mark Worth and Siri Nelson
In this roundabout, participants will work with facilitators to develop an individual activity or project related to whistleblowing or anti-corruption. This could be, for example: promoting whistleblowing or anti-corruption within their professional network or friend circle, writing a blog or article for a website or publication, suggesting that their organization or institution develop an activity or project, or suggesting an under-reported whistleblower or anti-corruption case that should be investigated and publicized. All activities and projects will be publicized by Whistleblowing International and its many partner organizations. Selected projects may be further developed into ongoing activities. Creativity is welcomed and celebrated!
12. Regenerative democracy: governing in the anthropocene (Continua/Climate Governance Commission - Virtual)
With Abigail Robinson and Maja Groff
Can democracy transcend current partisan politics? What upgrades are needed for democracy to play a role in our evolution, and to support humanity becoming a “net benefit” species? Join us to explore how the principles and practices of regenerative development can chart a path toward more sustainable governance.
13. Role & Scope of Civil Society In Shaping The Future Of Democracy (Advocacy Unified Network - Virtual)
With Arindam Bhattacharya
Through this roundabout we’ll try to find answers to some very basic but relevant questions that we seldom focus about democracy, governance, politics, policy, our future and a new world order.
The peace&justice café
is the new networking event series for cross-sectoral connection and collaboration for a more peaceful and just world. Launched by the Hague Humanity Hub in collaboration with the Municipality of The Hague, it convenes the peacebuilders, justice innovators, researchers, humanitarians, impact entrepreneurs, policy makers, and other changemakers from The Hague and beyond. By strengthening our connections, we can help offer concrete solutions for today’s complex and pressing problems and increase our collective impact.
PREVIOUS EDITIONS
what’s the role of the private sector?
peace&justice café
For the fourth edition, we highlighted the role the private sector can, should, and does play in driving a more peaceful and just world. Professionals of The Hague’s public, private, and non-profit sectors explored how the private sector chooses to respond to these calls and how NGOs, governments, and international organisations can shape this expanded role that they are carving out.
Thursday, 14 April 2022
16:00 – 18:00 CEST
Hybrid (In-Person at the Humanity Hub City Centre, and online on Zoom)
The Hague in the world and the world in The Hague
peace&justice café
For the third edition, we discussed together with professionals from The Hague’s ecosystem what kind of impact The Hague is making in the world, and how the world is represented here in The Hague. Is the international city of peace and justice truly international? How are members of the Hague’s ecosystem focused on making a more peaceful and just world developing partnerships across borders, even during the pandemic?
Thursday, 27 January 2022
16:00 – 18:00 CEST
Humanity Hub via Zoom
where now for climate justice
peace&justice café
For the second edition on November 30, we discussed where we go now in the search for climate justice after COP26. What were the outcomes of #cop26? Did this ‘historic opportunity’ mean that we that we will be able to keep the temperature of the planet under control and limit its increase to 1.5 degrees? Are the promises that governments made on producing less carbon going to reverse the trends?
Tuesday, 30 November 2021
16:00 – 18:00 CEST
Humanity Hub via Zoom
touching base in a shifting world
peace&justice café launch event
For the first edition on June 15, we exclusively spotlighted (Hague-based) female leaders to share their perspectives on how the(ir) world has been shifting. The recent and sustained global upheavals have uprooted societies, disrupted ways of working, and exacerbated systemic inequalities and injustices. How can the Hague community of professionals respond and navigate this shift together?
Tuesday, 15 June 2021
16:00 – 17:45 CEST
Humanity Hub via Zoom
