Sustaining Democracy

Sustaining Democracy is an informal nonpartisan watchdog group that supports constitutional governance and examines threats to its flourishing. Through readings, events, lectures, and discussions, we explore how liberal democracy and the rule of law are undermined by authoritarianism, tribalism, and political corruption. We investigate the interrelationships between modes of governance and law (e.g., human and civil rights), the economy (e.g., wealth distribution and class conflict), and culture (e.g., race, religion, and ethnicity). We pay particular attention to the mechanisms of authoritarianism, such as in dictatorships, fascisms, and ethnonationalisms.

Sustaining Democracy holds workshops, book clubs, and film screenings to engage students in discussions on issues related to democracy. It encourages participatory citizenship through activities such as registering voters, contacting our elected officials on key issues, and tabling at campus events. Sustaining Democracy also publishes a student-produced newsletter.

Sustaining Democracy is directed by Hina Azam and sponsored by the Jefferson Center for the Study of Core Texts and Ideas, the Bech-Loughlin First Amendment Center, and the Center for Law and Democracy. Meetings are open to the entire UT community and student body.

For more information, please email the Sustaining Democracy email or join the Sustaining Democracy Canvas page.

Check the Sustaining Democracy fall event overview and the CLD Events schedule for upcoming Sustaining Democracy trainings and meetings.