The Ashburn Institute
&
The American University SIS Undergraduate Council

Present a Special Interactive Forum

IS DEMOCRACY THE KEY TO GLOBAL PEACE AND DEVELOPMENT?

Thursday, March 3 rd , 2005
American University
5:30pm - 8:00 pm

AGENDA

5:30 PM Opening Remarks

Marielle Reiss, Ashburn Institute Executive Director

5:35 PM Introduction of Panellists and Discussion

Dr. Joseph Drew , President, Virginia Campus, University of Northern Virginia

5:40 PM Introduction of Discussion

Moderator : Dr. Joseph Drew , President, Virginia Campus, University of Northern Virginia

5:45 PM SESSION 1: Democracy and Political Stability

Discussion Leader : To be confirmed

What are the factors driving democratic political stability? How can governments manage democracy in homogeneous, multicultural, or ethnic societies?

6:15 PM SESSION 2: Democracy and Social Development

Discussion Leader: Professor Shalini Venturelli , American University School of International Services

Is democracy a product of social development? Does democracy improve standards of living and quality of life in developing countries ; if then, how?

6:45 PM BREAK

6:55 PM SESSION 3: Democracy and Economic Prosperity

Discussion Leader: To be confirmed

How does a democracy create economic prosperity? Does democracy promise greater access to international financial markets? What is the

responsibility of international organizations such as the IMF and World Bank and how is what they do contribute to facilitating democratic ideals ?

7:25 PM SESSION 4: Democracy and Cultural Values

Discussion Leader : Dr. Harris Iskandar , Embassy of Indonesia

How does democracy translate into different cultures and values? How can an indigenous society adapt to a democratic institution?

The example of Indonesia .

7:55 PM Closing Remarks.

Robert Frantz, Ashburn Institute President