#12: The Global Threat to Democracy: A Conversation with Damon Wilson

For the last decade democracies around the world have been in a rut not just a simple recession.  In this post globalization world autocrats are waging a sophisticated campaign using new dynamics around information, polarization, and technology.    The tools, and tactics of repression are being exported to many countries creating a pernicious environment, a cauldron that has seen a setback in democracy.  In this podcast Damon describes the state of democracy around the world and the challenges it faces.    He shares with us his belief that Madeline Albright was right, and the future of democracy is bright.  He discusses the importance of non-violent democratic movements and the intergenerational partnerships between youth and elders in the continuing regeneration of democracy.

Damon Wilson, President, and Chief Executive Officer of the National Endowment for Democracy is dedicated to the growth and strengthening of democratic institutions around the world. NED is an independent nonprofit, bipartisan and transparent foundation that is on the leading edge of democratic struggles in some of the most difficulty circumstances in the world. 

Damon grew up in rural South Carolina in a community with little diversity.  His world change in third grade when his best friend became a boy whose family had fled communist Romania. In high school one of his best friends had fled Iran after the revolution. This led to a long and distinguished career in government and non-governmental organizations. Damon received his master’s degree as the Princeton University’ Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs. Prior to entering government service Damon worked in Croatia and Rwanda after the genocide.  Damon has held positions in NATO, the National Security Council, the State Department and the Atlantic Council.

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