Democracy in Question: Ron Daniels on the Role of Universities in Strengthening Democracy

The latest episode of the Democracy in Question podcast, hosted by Central European University (CEU) President and Rector, Shalini Randeria, features Ron Daniels, President of Johns Hopkins University, and board member of CEU.

Among his numerous accomplishments, he was awarded the Order of Canada in 2016 and elected as a fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. His agenda-setting book, "What Universities Owe Democracy", co-authored by Phillip Spector and Grant Shreve, makes a compelling case for universities to be engaged in preserving and strengthening democratic achievements. During his tenure as President, Johns Hopkins University has consistently ranked at the top for its interdisciplinary research and innovation, enhanced student access, as well as community engagement, serving as a true model for a research university in the 21st century.

In this episode, "Ron Daniels on the Role of Universities in Strengthening Democracy" published February 15, Randeria and her guest explore the role universities play in upholding and deepening democracy. How does university education foster civic engagement and a democratic spirit? How do universities cultivate interactive diversity? And what positive contributions can institutions of higher education make in order to strengthen democracy today? Listen to the illuminating discussion regarding the relationship between universities and democracy.

For each episode of Democracy in Question, Randeria invites a leading scholar or public figure to explore the challenges and dilemmas facing democracies around the world. Listen to the trailer and subscribe here.

Series six of Democracy in Question is produced in partnership with the Albert Hirschman Centre on Democracy at the Graduate Institute in Geneva (AHCD) where Randeria is a Senior Fellow. ACHD and the Institute for Human Sciences (IWM) in Vienna co-produced seasons one and two of the podcast.