Civic Futures: Democracy in a Changing World
Tuesday, May 12, 2026, 1900 - 2030
What does it take for democracy to endure in an era of global pressure and rising division?
Around the world, democratic institutions are under strain, while at home, trust in those institutions continues to erode. As polarization deepens and global instability grows, understanding how democracies succeed or fail has never been more urgent.
Civic Futures: Democracy in a Changing World launches the World Affairs Council of Pittsburgh's new Civic Futures series with a timely conversation featuring leading voices in global democracy and national security. Together, they will explore the forces shaping democratic governance today and what they mean for communities here in Pittsburgh and beyond.
What to expect:
Gain a global perspective on democratic trends
Hear frontline insights on national security, foreign policy, and global conflict
Explore how democratic institutions are challenged and strengthened across regions
Connect global developments to local civic life and community impact
Engage in thoughtful dialogue with experts and fellow attendees
Doors open at 6:00PM. The speaking program begins at 7:00 PM.
Speaker Jim Sciutto will be signing copies of his book The Return of Great Powers, which will be on sale at the event from Stay Gold Books.
Featured Speakers
Gerardo Berthin is President of Freedom House and a global expert on democratic governance, anticorruption, and civil society. With nearly three decades of experience across more than 50 countries, he has worked with institutions including the United Nations Development Programme, USAID, and the Inter-American Development Bank. He is the author of numerous books and reports on political development and democratic institutions.
Jim Sciutto is CNN's Chief National Security Correspondent, reporting on U.S. foreign policy, the military, and global conflict. He has covered major international developments from more than 50 countries and is the recipient of multiple journalism awards, including an Emmy, a George Polk Award, and an Edward R. Murrow Award. He previously served as chief of staff and senior advisor to the U.S. Ambassador to China.
Category: Lifestyle | Politics
Around the world, democratic institutions are under strain, while at home, trust in those institutions continues to erode. As polarization deepens and global instability grows, understanding how democracies succeed or fail has never been more urgent.
Civic Futures: Democracy in a Changing World launches the World Affairs Council of Pittsburgh's new Civic Futures series with a timely conversation featuring leading voices in global democracy and national security. Together, they will explore the forces shaping democratic governance today and what they mean for communities here in Pittsburgh and beyond.
What to expect:
Gain a global perspective on democratic trends
Hear frontline insights on national security, foreign policy, and global conflict
Explore how democratic institutions are challenged and strengthened across regions
Connect global developments to local civic life and community impact
Engage in thoughtful dialogue with experts and fellow attendees
Doors open at 6:00PM. The speaking program begins at 7:00 PM.
Speaker Jim Sciutto will be signing copies of his book The Return of Great Powers, which will be on sale at the event from Stay Gold Books.
Featured Speakers
Gerardo Berthin is President of Freedom House and a global expert on democratic governance, anticorruption, and civil society. With nearly three decades of experience across more than 50 countries, he has worked with institutions including the United Nations Development Programme, USAID, and the Inter-American Development Bank. He is the author of numerous books and reports on political development and democratic institutions.
Jim Sciutto is CNN's Chief National Security Correspondent, reporting on U.S. foreign policy, the military, and global conflict. He has covered major international developments from more than 50 countries and is the recipient of multiple journalism awards, including an Emmy, a George Polk Award, and an Edward R. Murrow Award. He previously served as chief of staff and senior advisor to the U.S. Ambassador to China.
Category: Lifestyle | Politics
Starting Price Per Person
Free
Other Information
Where
Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall and Museum
4141 Fifth Avenue
Pittsburgh Pennsylvania 15213
United States
( Museum - Historical )
4141 Fifth Avenue
Pittsburgh Pennsylvania 15213
United States
( Museum - Historical )
Event Organizer Contact:
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Event ID: 270237
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