Q+A
Democracy demands new ideas.
Book
When Democracy Breaks: Studies in Democratic Erosion and Collapse, From Ancient Athens to the Present Day
Occasional Paper
A Roadmap for Governing AI: Technology Governance and Power Sharing Liberalism
Harvard’s hub for research and teaching on democracy
The Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation develops ideas and fosters practices for equal and inclusive, multiracial, and multiethnic democracy and self-governance.
Our Work
From expanding voting access to developing new strategies for antiracist organizational change, we tackle the most pressing issues facing democracy and democratic institutions around the world today.
Latest News
Feature
Moving beyond the Electoral College
At an Ash Center symposium on Electoral College reform, Congressman Jamie Raskin makes the case that the US should finally move to a direct popular vote for selecting presidential winners.
Feature
The Electoral College: What’s to be Done
During an opening panel at an Ash Center symposium on the future of the Electoral College, scholars examined the history behind how the US adopted its peculiar centuries-old system of choosing presidential election winners – and what should be done to reform or even abolish the practice today.
Commentary
Election in Modi’s India – Beyond Democracy
Börje Ljunggren looks back at many of the profound transformations shaping India today and ponders the future of the world’s largest democracy under Modi.
Upcoming Events
The Right to Research: Engaging Participatory Methods in Contexts of State Violence
In-Person Event
Ash Center, Harvard Kennedy School, 124 Mt. Auburn Street, Room 225
9:00 am – 5:45 pm EDT
A Conversation with Ava DuVernay: Resistance, Storytelling, and Film
In-Person Event
JFK Jr Forum, Harvard Kennedy School
7:00 pm – 8:00 pm EDT
Online Book Talk: How to Steal A Presidential Election
Online Event
online
7:00 pm – 8:00 pm EDT