Defending Democracy in the Face of 21st Century Challenges

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This report summarizes the key discussions and outcomes of a meeting of the Toda Peace Institute’s Global Challenges to Democracy Working Group held from 18–20 June 2026. This year’s conference titled “Defending Democracy in the Face of 21^st Century Challenges,” focused primarily on democratic resilience. Discussions ranged from conceptual explorations of democratic resilience and the broader global context to specific obstacles and opportunities in the United States, New Zealand, Brazil, Poland, Hungary, the Philippines, the MENA region, and Gen Z democracy movements in Southeast Asia. The aim was to deepen the shared understanding of democratic resilience and the questions it raises.

Papers which were presented in draft form at the conference will be published on the Toda Peace Institute website over the coming months.