In UC Davis Law Talk, Former Chile President Lagos Offers Key Insights on Democracy

On March 31, Dr. Ricardo Lagos, former president of the Republic of Chile, addressed current threats to democracy around the world in the illuminating virtual presentation “Epochal Change: Challenges to Democracy.”

In his engaging, thoughtful discussion with UC Davis Law Dean Kevin R. Johnson, Lagos shared the perspectives and knowledge he gained from having lived through the decline of Chile’s democracy, led the opposition to the country’s military dictatorship and served as president (2000-2006) during the restoration of its democracy. 

Lagos’ talk encompassed a world history that has included massive change every 100 years, including a current digital age that presents challenges and opportunities for democracies; the four major crises democracy has faced in the past 22 years, including COVID-19 and the Russia/Ukraine war; the imperative that democracies ensure equitable economic distribution and fight climate change so workers can reach the middle class and feel engaged and hopeful; and the importance of democracies working together to both create and enhance institutions (such as the United Nations) that maintain peace.

UC Davis Law’s California International Law Center presented Lagos’ talk as part of its “Global Voices on Democracy and Human Rights” series. The series continues Tuesday, April 5, with a virtual presentation by United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet, who will discuss migration and human rights.

Bachelet will address how we, as a global community, can and should protect the rights of those forced to migrate due to adverse circumstances beyond their control. Register here.