Symposium
‘Rethinking Democracy Promotion in the Post-Bush Era: Lessons from Political Theory’
International Politics Department, Aberystwyth University
21st May, 2009
9am-4pm
Event organised by ‘Political Economies of Democratisation’-project (funded by the European Research Council under the=2 0European Community’s Seventh Framework Programme, 2007-2013)
 
By framing and justifying many contentious policies during ‘the War on Terror’ in reference to the defence and extension of democracy, the actions of the Bush administration had negative consequences for the larger democracy promotion agenda. The concerted effort by President Obama to break with the policies of his predecessor now opens up space for a rethinking of democracy promotion practices. In considering and responding to recent problems, it is necessary to go beyond policy calibration, however, and address more fundamental issues. Specifically, there is a pressing need to reconsider the concept of ‘democracy’ in democracy promotion. Yet, it is curious that while debate continues to rage in political theory over what democracy does, can and should mean, such questions are largely ignored when it comes to democracy promotion.
 
This symposium will bring together a number of leading thinkers in=2 0international relations and political science to discuss how political theory and thought on radically different models or visions of democracy can be integrated into the consideration and practice of democracy promotion. The symposium seeks to reconsider the role of the currently dominant liberal-democratic tradition of thought in democracy promotion, as well as explore other possible democratic models and alternatives in relation to the idea of democracy promotion. The distinguished speakers at the event include: Prof. John Keane, Prof. Magnus Ryner, Dr. Beate Jahn, Prof. Heikki Patomaki, Prof. Robin Hahnel (in absentia), Prof. Michael Foley and Prof. Howard Williams.
 
Attendance is free but attendees are asked to email Milja Kurki ([log in to unmask]) to inform the organisers of intent to attend. Please note that all views expressed by the contributors and participants at the event are those of the individuals who express them and may not correspond to the views of the European Community.
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Preliminary programme
 
9.00-9.15 Introductory comments - Milja Kurki
 
9.15-10.45 Session 1. Liberal democracy and liberal democracy promotion (re)considered - Dr. Beate Jahn, Prof. Howard Williams, Christopher Hobson
 
11.00-12.30 Session 2. Lessons from alternative traditions of democratic thought - Prof. Magnus Ryner, Prof. Heikki Patomaki, Prof. Robin Hahnel
 
13.30-15.00 Session 3. Transformations of democracy since 1945 and the future of democracy - Prof. John Keane, Prof. Michael Foley
 
15.10-4.00pm Concluding session. Democratic theory and democracy promotion today - reflections on future directions