Course introduces students to constructive disagreement
Cornell Chronicle
The Cornell Center on Democracy strengthens democracy through rigorous research, democratic and civic education, and public engagement.
Rooted in Cornell's founding mission to enhance lives locally and globally, the Center advances applied, objective, and globally relevant ideas to improve democratic institutions and practices in the United States and abroad.
Learn more about the Cornell Center on Democracy
Addressing the democratic challenge
Democracy is under strain. Corruption and abuses of power erode the rule of law. Polarization fractures societies and fuels mistrust. Emerging technologies reshape politics in ways that challenge democratic institutions and citizens' practices. Cornell researchers are working across all three fronts.
Rule of law, rights, and democratic order
When institutions are weaponized, corruption goes unchecked, and legal protections erode, democracy loses its foundation. Cornell researchers study how societies sustain and restore the rule of law — examining reforms to the administrative state, anti-corruption strategies, the role of legal institutions in democratic resilience, and the design of accountable governance.
Democracy, values, participation, and pluralism
Polarization, declining trust, and eroding civic norms make it harder for democracies to function. Cornell researchers examine how values, emotions, identities, and social environments shape democratic participation — and identify practical strategies for reducing polarization and sustaining pluralistic democratic life.
Learn how we can collectively restore trust and participation →
Democracy and new technologies
Artificial intelligence, algorithmic systems, and digital information ecosystems are reshaping how power is exercised and how citizens engage. Cornell researchers analyze where existing governance frameworks fall short and co-develop policy tools to ensure emerging technologies strengthen — rather than undermine — democratic governance and citizens' engagement.
Understand how emerging technologies are reshaping democratic life →
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Our approach
Cornell is uniquely equipped to respond. Our interdisciplinary faculty of 100+ scholars works across research, education, and public engagement to translate rigorous ideas into democratic practice.
Research
Cornell's scholars and researchers span law, the social sciences, the humanities and STEM fields to bring unmatched depth and a multi-disciplinary lens to the hardest questions in democratic governance.
Education
In educating the next generation of global citizens, we develop knowledge of democratic institutions and practices, forge skill sets for dialogue and pluralism, and promote a culture of broad inquiry to foster resilient and engaged democratic citizens.
Public Engagement
Rooted in Cornell's land-grant mission to serve the public good, our programs connect students, educators, and civic leaders to translate research into action — locally, nationally, and globally.