SNF Agora Topics

SNF Agora Institute faculty and fellows explore the history of race and racism in America and around the world, and look for ways to talk about race, identity, and polarization that bridge divides and put us on a durable pathway forward.

In a time where democratic institutions and values are uncertain, the need to equip young people with political knowledge, political skills, habits of engagement, and civil tolerance is now more pressing than ever before. The SNF Agora Institute is committed to leading the conversation around the importance of civic education in sustaining democratic society.

How can we distinguish truth from fiction when disinformation plagues our sources of news and information? What does disinformation mean for the future of global democracy? SNF Agora Faculty and Fellows are leading the conversation about the impact of disinformation on elections and voting, polarization and partisanship, and democracy itself.

Around the world, we have seen populist leaders—including in India, Hungary, Turkey, and Venezuela—rise to powers and win reelection. SNF Agora Faculty and Fellows are monitoring this recent trend of growing populist movements and examine how populism and populist governments threaten liberal democracy.

In today’s society, polarization and division between racial, religious, cultural, and political groups is commonplace. How can we find a path forward when polarization not only creates conflict and gridlock, but is used as a political tactic? The experts at SNF Agora are dedicated to examining polarization, one of the greatest threats to democracy today.