Fostering a Fourth Democratic Wave

The City of Holland's International Relations Commission is pleased to host Hardy Merriman on Wednesday, March 4th at 12 PM at the Herrick District Library Main Branch. This event is free and open to the public.

Hardy Merriman, former President of the International Center on Nonviolent Conflict (ICNC)

A powerful autocratic wave is sweeping the globe. According to various measures, authoritarian governments have risen and democracies have declined worldwide over the past two decades. To ensure long-term peace, security, and human rights for billions of people, it is critical that this trend be reversed. But what will it take to foster a new democratic wave?

Cutting edge research and historical analysis find that one of the most powerful forces driving democratic transitions are populations living under authoritarian rule. Engaging with those populations—whether through foreign policy or independently as members of civil society—and supporting their struggles for human rights and democracy is a major opportunity to turn the tide. Join us as we welcome Hardy Merriman, former president of the International Center on Nonviolent Conflict (ICNC), to lead our conversation on strengthening democratic resiliency.

Merriman's presentation is part of the 2026 Great Decisions program of the World Affairs Council of Western Michigan.