Gatekeepers of Democracy: From Thought to Action
Gatekeepers of Democracy: From Thought to Action
Think Tanks, NGOs, and Civil Society
Organized by Dukakis Center at ACT & Transparency International Greece
Monday, May 13, 2019, 6 pm
Public Syntagma, Athens
This conference explores the fundamental interrelationship between civil society and democracy. Casting the institutions of civil society in the role of gatekeepers, our aim is to explore two main lines of inquiry, and, eventually, to map out a track record for Greek think tanks and NGOs involved in democracy promotion. Democracy promotion has been a goal of governments, civic associations, and individuals since the 1970s, if not earlier. But nowadays democracy promotion, like democracy itself, has come under fire in the current global political environment. How does one best preserve, promote, and strengthen democratic institutions, both conceptually and practically? What is the proper role of civil society in this endeavor? Is there a causative linkage between civil society and democracy? Is it legitimate to think of civil society as a gatekeeper of democracy? Is this role threatened by the rise of autocratic populism?
Greece has a rich and varied tradition in civil society activism. What degree of coordination exists currently in Greece in the formulation and execution of pro-democracy projects among institutions that sometimes cooperate, but often compete -- bearing in mind that according to one definition civil society is meant to be a forum for competing and offsetting ideas? How should one coordinate and legitimize the work of civil society in this context? How clear and strong are the links between civil society and Greek society at large? Is there a distinct role for the media and the donor community in this endeavor?
Representatives of various think tanks, NGOs, and other civil society organizations active throughout Greece will convene, at the behest of the Μichael and Kitty Dukakis Center for Public and Humanitarian Service at ACT – The American College of Thessaloniki and Transparency International Greece, to discuss these issues at a time of heightened interest in and concern for the future of democracy throughout Europe. The event is the latest in an ongoing series of public debates at the Dukakis Center over the institutions, practices, and future of democracy, and is an integral part of the Center’s 20th anniversary season of public service initiatives.
The event will take place at Public Syntagma, Athens, on Monday, May 13, at 6 PM, and will be open to the general public. Our working language will be English.
Our keynote speaker will be Dr. James McGann, Director of the Think Tanks and Civil Societies program at the Lauder Institute, University of Pennsylvania. James G. McGann is a senior lecturer of International Studies at the Lauder Institute, director of the Think Tanks and Civil Societies Program and senior fellow, Fels Institute of Government at the University of Pennsylvania. Prior to assuming his current post, James was Assistant Director of the International Relations Program at the University of Pennsylvania. He has also served as the Senior Vice President for the Executive Council on Foreign Diplomats, the Assistant Director of the Institute of Politics, Kennedy School of Government, and the Public Policy Program Officer for The Pew Charitable Trusts.
James earned his M.A. and Ph.D. from the University of Pennsylvania. He is the creator and editor of the annual Global Go To Think Tank Index. His latest book is entitled: The Fifth Estate: Think Tanks Public Policy and Governance (Brooking, 2016). Several books that he has been working on for the last 7-8 years will be released this year [2017]. Meet the Director
Guest speakers include: Amalia Zepou, synAthina, Vice Mayor for Civil Society and Innovation, Municipality of Athens, Nikos Vettas, General Director, IOBE, Epameinondas Farmakis, Human Rights 360, Olga Daskali, Koinotita Messolonghi, Thodoris Georgakopoulos, DiaNEOsis, Stefanos Loukopoulos, Vouliwatch, Founder and Managing Director, George Siakas, Public Opinion Research Unit, Scientific Coordinator.
Address inquiries to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..