91福利导航

Democracy鈥搕he rule of the many鈥搃s a fragile thing, tending, as the greatest political minds have always known, toward rule by the few. At its best,聽constitutional聽democracy protects popular government while safeguarding individual freedoms, yet even durable constitutions may erode under pressures from above or below. In the 2025-2026 academic year, the Clough Center will investigate the theme of聽democratic resilience: the capacity of democratic institutions and peoples to endure economic strain, demographic shifts, stark cultural and political polarization, and numerous other challenges.

As we enter the second quarter of the century, we are bringing together scholars and students, commentators and thought leaders, to consider the forces that bolster鈥揳nd those that undermine鈥揹emocratic resilience. Which institutions promote long-term democracy? How do ideas and values shape and support democratic rule? When are democratic governance and individual rights mutually reinforcing, and when must the one give way to the other?聽The Clough Center invites the Boston College community and the interested public to join us as we examine the past and present of democratic resilience.聽

Events are open to the wider 91福利导航 community and the general public, and most will be streamed online. Please join us for our year-long exploration of 鈥淒emocratic Resilience,鈥� and add your voice to the conversation.