➤ COVID-19 has been the most severe pandemic in recent history, affecting various aspects of human life. In this challenging time, democratic systems around the world face unprecedented tests. We believe that only through sharing knowledge, experiences, and perspectives can we better understand these challenges and seek solutions. Therefore, this conference will bring together top experts and scholars from various countries, using the Asian Barometer Survey databsets and adopting diverse academic perspectives, to explore the changes, impacts, and transformations of democratic systems in the post-pandemic era. 

The conference was opened with a speech by Professor Huang Min-Hua, Professor of the Department of Political Science at National Taiwan University and Director of the Asian Barometer Survey. The first session of the morning featured a keynote speech address by Professor Larry Diamond, Senior Fellow at the Hoover Institution at Stanford University, titled "Is the World Still in a Democratic Recession?". Professor Diamond highlighted six key trends contributing to the deepening democratic recession since 2006, including "declining global levels of freedom and democracy", "deteriorating rule of law", "wave of illiberal populism", "increasing polorization and intolerance, magnified by social media", "authoritarian resurgence and power projection (Russia and China)", and  "decay of democratic quality in US and Europe".

Following that, a roundtable discussion titled "Democracy in the Era of Crisis" was hosted by Professor Andrew Nathan, Class of 1919 Professor of Political Science at Columbia University. Regional coordinators of the Global Barometer Survey participated, engaging in a lively discussion and interaction with renowned international experts. This conference featured a wide range of topics and provided an opportunity for scholars to build meaningful academic networks with colleagues from around the world.

In the afternoon, there were four parallel sessions for the presentation of research papers, with a total of 20 papers presented. Researchers from various countries presented their quantitative analyses of the Asian Barometer Survey data, focusing on the changes, impacts, and developments in democratic systems in the post-pandemic era. The enthusiastic participation of presenters, commentators, and attendees facilitated extensive knowledge exchange and experience sharing and provided fresh perspectives and profound insights.

This was an event filled with knowledge, exchange, and collaboration, bringing together outstanding scholars and professionals from around the world. It offered an unparalleled platform for academic discussion and exchange, delving deep into critical issues related to democracy today. Through the unique insights and profound observations provided by the speakers, it inspired fresh thinking about the future. The richness of content, the depth and diversity of academic exchanges, and the gradually resuming international exchanges in the post-pandemic era marked this conference as a highlight of global dialogue.

➤ Photos