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The COVID-19 pandemic is posing a major test to public confidence in the leaders of democratic societies as well as in democracy itself. The pandemic strikes at a time when democracy and freedom are in global decline. The erosion, in particular, of press freedom is both a symptom and contributor to the breakdown of other democratic institutions and principles. Elected leaders in many democracies have made explicit attempts to undermine the separation of powers, foment social divisions, and silence critical media voices. Hear prominent journalists discuss how democracy in Israel, India, the US, and the Philippines is being eroded by contested elections, polarization and populist consolidation of power, weak leadership, and disinformation.
Panelists
- Khaldoun BARGHOUTI, Israeli Affairs Editor, Al-Hayat al-Jadida, Ramallah, Palestine @KHBarghouti
- Arfa KHANUM, Senior Editor, The Wire, New Delhi, India @khanumarfa
- Lillian CUNNINGHAM, Creator and Host “Presidential” and “Constitutional” podcasts, The Washington Post, Washington, DC, USA @lily_cunningham
- D.J. YAP, Senior Reporter, Philippine Daily Inquirer, Manila, Philippines @deejayapINQ
Moderator
- Seth C. MCKEE, Professor of Political Science, Oklahoma State University, and Editor-in-Chief, Political Research Quarterly, Stillwater, OK, USA @OKstatePoliSci
Click here for headshots and biographies.
Mahalo to the following organizations for supporting this event and sharing it with their members:

The COVID-19 pandemic is posing a major test to public confidence in the leaders of democratic societies as well as in democracy itself. The pandemic strikes at a time when democracy and freedom are in global decline. The erosion, in particular, of press freedom is both a symptom and contributor to the breakdown of other democratic institutions and principles. Elected leaders in many democracies have made explicit attempts to undermine the separation of powers, foment social divisions, and silence critical media voices. Hear prominent journalists discuss how democracy in Israel, India, the US, and the Philippines is being eroded by contested elections, polarization and populist consolidation of power, weak leadership, and disinformation.
Panelists
- Khaldoun BARGHOUTI, Israeli Affairs Editor, Al-Hayat al-Jadida, Ramallah, Palestine @KHBarghouti
- Arfa KHANUM, Senior Editor, The Wire, New Delhi, India @khanumarfa
- Lillian CUNNINGHAM, Creator and Host “Presidential” and “Constitutional” podcasts, The Washington Post, Washington, DC, USA @lily_cunningham
- D.J. YAP, Senior Reporter, Philippine Daily Inquirer, Manila, Philippines @deejayapINQ
Moderator
- Seth C. MCKEE, Professor of Political Science, Oklahoma State University, and Editor-in-Chief, Political Research Quarterly, Stillwater, OK, USA @OKstatePoliSci
Click here for headshots and biographies.
Mahalo to the following organizations for supporting this event and sharing it with their members:

EWC Seminars Live
Designed for multinational journalists and informed audiences, EWC Seminars Live is a monthly webinar and briefing series that seeks to inform, connect, and source media stories.