Across the globe, democracies are being hollowed out from within—not by violent coups, but through the systematic erosion of institutions by elected leaders. In Hungary, Serbia, and Turkey, ruling parties have consolidated power, sidelined independent judiciaries, weakened the free press, and silenced civil society. What remains is a hollow shell of democratic process, devoid of checks and balances.
These trends are no longer confined abroad. In the United States, President Donald Trump has sought to centralize executive power, undermine judicial and legislative oversight, discredit independent media, and target civic institutions—from universities to law firms. Recent moves, including the deployment of federal forces against the will of local officials, reflect a concerning turn toward authoritarian policies.
This conversation brings together leading voices from Hungary, Serbia, and Turkey who have confronted democratic backsliding firsthand. They will share their experiences, draw parallels to current U.S. developments, and offer concrete lessons on how to resist authoritarian consolidation.
Please join the Center for American Progress for a critical dialogue on what it takes to defend democracy—and what can happen when we fail to act in time.