Vox Announces Media Partnership With the Institute for the Study of Modern Authoritarianism for the Second Annual “Liberalism for the 21st Century” Conference

Today, Vox announced a media partnership with the Institute for the Study of Modern Authoritarianism (ISMA) for the second annual conference, “Liberalism for the 21st Century.” This two-day event brings together some of the world’s leading liberal thinkers, journalists, and advocates for a day and a half of programming dedicated to countering the rise of illiberalism and charting a course forward for a liberalism that can answer the challenges of the modern era. The conference will take place August 14 and 15 at the historic Watergate Hotel in Washington, DC.

Vox is sponsoring the panel “Philosophical Roots of Illiberal Movements,” moderated by senior correspondent Zack Beauchamp, dissecting the diverse intellectual origins of contemporary illiberalism, and exploring ways in which liberalism can respond at the level of ideas. The panel will feature Damon Linker, senior lecturer, University of Pennsylvania; Tom Palmer, senior fellow, Cato Institute; and Laura Field, author of Furious Minds: The Making of the MAGA New Right.

“Vox is proud to partner again with the Institute for the Study of Modern Authoritarianism in support of this important forum for dialogue in defense of democracy around the globe,” said Elbert Ventura, Vox’s executive editor.

“We are at a dangerous moment, with the forces of authoritarianism gathering strength and threatening liberal democracy in the United States and elsewhere,” noted ISMA President and editor of The UnPopulist, Shikha Dalmia. “These forces are aided by illiberal ideologies that deserve a forceful intellectual response. Ultimately, this is a battle of ideas, and we are very glad to have a partner like Vox with us.”

The conference will feature keynotes by Russian opposition politician Vladimir Kara-Murza and award-winning author Suketu Mehta, and panel discussions featuring top journalists, policymakers, and academics from around the world, including Jack Goldsmith, Frank Fukuyama, Derek Thompson, Steven Pinker, Jennifer Mittelstadt, Janice Stein, and more. Bill Kristol will host a debate on immigration. A full lineup and registration details are available here.