Democratic Backsliding – Rule of Law or Rule by Law?

Organized in partnership with Aspen Institute Germany and Aspen Institute Romania, the first-ever Socrates seminar in Montenegro will bring together leaders to explore the challenges of democratic backsliding, the importance of rule of law, and the essence of values-based leadership.

In recent years, many leaders around the world have faced insurgencies of actors attacking the rule of law and democratic institutions, posing a threat to democracy itself. In particular for regions such as the Western Balkans and its pathway toward EU membership, these challenges have slowed the process.

A strong commitment to values-based leadership can support leaders in their opposition to challenges and attacks, supplying tools to enforce the rule of law and contest anti-democratic policies. At the same time, geopolitical factors, especially in the Western Balkans, have the potential to push decision makers in the region and beyond away from policies that would strengthen their pathway towards stronger democracy.

In this context and united in their commitment to Aspen values-based leadership and democratic resilience across the region, Aspen Germany and Aspen Romania believe that now is the time to bring the Aspen philosophy through the SocratesProgram to the Western Balkans.

Through its text-based method of moderation, a Socrates Seminar can help provide a wide range of leaders across the Western Balkans with the opportunity to foster a reflection on the crucial matter of democracy, evaluating the notion of the rule of law and its necessity to build an open, fair and just society.

With a focus on the rule of law, participants will analyze the philosophical origins of democracy and justice, the role that principled governments and civil society should play, and how a just and values-based democracy can operate and function for its citizens and residents.