Institute for the Study of Modern Authoritarianism
Liberalism for the 21st Century
Join leading scholars, policymakers, and advocates for two days of critical dialogue on the future of liberal democracy.
Join the WaitlistAbout ISMA
The Institute for the Study of Modern Authoritarianism (ISMA) is dedicated to understanding and countering the rising threats to free societies worldwide. Through rigorous research, public engagement, and cross-partisan dialogue, ISMA works to defend the principles that undergird liberal democracy.
Each year, ISMA gathers the world’s leading thinkers in the liberal tradition for a two-day gathering in Washington, D.C. Our goal is to chart a positive, forward-looking vision for a liberalism that can fight and win in the 21st-century marketplace of ideas.
This year, our theme is the Reconstruction Agenda: on America’s 250th anniversary, the conference will feature a tour through the major branches of government, both assessing the state of their damage and proposing a path toward renewed confidence in institutions and the rule of law.
Schedule
Times are subject to change.
3:00 PM
3:25 PM
3:25 PM
4:25 PM
4:45 PM
6:00 PM
6:00 PM
Sideline Events
Thursday, July 16 · 9:30 PM
Deconstructing Legacies of Injustice: Zooming In at The UnPopulist live podcast recording
The UnPopulist and the Institute for Humane Studies' live podcast recording will feature The New York Times' Jamelle Bouie and David French and Harvard's Danielle Allen. Hosted by Aaron Ross Powell.
Thursday, July 16 · 9:30 PM
Making Liberalism Radical Again: The Good Fight live podcast recording
Yascha Mounk will be joined by Linda Chavez, Rachel Janfaza, and Francis Fukuyama for a podcast recording hosted by Persuasion with a live audience directly following dinner on Thursday evening.
Location details for both events are in attendees' ticket confirmation/QR code email. Both will take place at the Watergate immediately following dinner.
Featured Speakers
Our Sponsors
ISMA is also grateful for general operating support from the Hewlett Foundation.