Fixing a Broken Democracy: Lessons from Poland

PAST EVENT VIDEO

Join us for a live stream discussion with Poland’s Minister of Justice Adam Bodnar on safeguarding democratic institutions and maintaining an independent judiciary.

Adam Bodnar stands in front of a sign in Warsaw, Poland on October 12, 2023.

Czarek Sokolowski / AP

Speakers

Adam Bodnar
Tom Ginsburg

Event Date

August 1, 2024

About This Event

Amidst a global rise in authoritarianism, Poland has emerged as a potential bright spot when it comes to safeguarding democracy. Last year, Polish voters dislodged the nationalist Law and Justice party, and the European Commission recently dropped its Article 7 sanctions against the country, stating there is “no longer a clear risk of a serious breach of the rule of law in Poland.” What can we learn from Poland’s example as the far-right makes gains in other EU countries? How can democratic institutions be revived after being subverted by illiberal forces? Join the Council and the World Justice Project for a live stream conversation with Adam Bodnar, Poland’s Minister of Justice at the forefront of efforts to maintain the country’s independent judiciary.

About the Speakers

Adam Bodnar

Minister of Justice of Poland

Adam Bodnar was appointed Poland’s Minister of Justice in December 2023. A lawyer specializing in constitutional law and human rights, he previously served as Poland’s Commissioner for Human Rights from 2015 to 2021 and as vice president of the Helsinki Foundation for Human Rights from 2010 to 2015.

Tom Ginsburg

Leo Spitz Professor of International Law, University of Chicago

Tom Ginsburg is the Leo Spitz professor of International Law at the University of Chicago. He currently directs the University of Chicago’s Malyi Center on Institutional and Legal Integrity, co-directs the Comparative Constitutions Project, and is the co-author of the book "How to Save a Constitutional Democracy."

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