Democracy-by-Design: Governing in a World of Competing Systems
Strengthening democratic performance across digital, civic, and institutional domains
“Democracy is not self-executing. In a world of rising authoritarianism, it must be governed with the same strategic intent as any system competing for global legitimacy.”
Overview
- As autocracies grow more assertive and some democracies grow more brittle, this keynote explores how governance itself must become a strategic discipline. Mark Kennedy presents a framework for democratic strength rooted in design—not nostalgia. Drawing on insights from global competition, digital disruption, and institutional leadership, he outlines how nations can govern with purpose and adaptability in a contested world.
- Democracy-by-Design emphasizes resilience, responsiveness, and systemic legitimacy across sectors—ensuring democratic societies can not only survive, but outperform alternatives.
Key Themes Covered
- Why democratic legitimacy must now be proven through performance, not just principles
- How digital governance, civic trust, and institutional capability intersect to shape system-level strength
- The strategic risk of polarization, disinformation, and institutional fatigue
- How democratic nations can compete on governance while respecting pluralism and individual rights
- Lessons from international institutions, alliance dynamics, and public-private models
Audience Takeaways
- A framework for evaluating democratic systems through strategic, not just moral, lenses
- Concrete practices for improving governance agility, civic engagement, and institutional coherence
- Inspiration for public, private, and civic actors to align around a shared democratic purpose
Who This Is For
- Government leaders, civic reformers, and institutional executives
- Tech and media professionals addressing governance and trust
- International organizations and democracy support institutions
- Universities, think tanks, and civil society convenings
🎥 Watch Mark in Action
- Issues Driving the U.S. Foreign Policy Debate
- Sciences Po Paris School of International Affairs | October 2024
- Kennedy addresses future diplomats and public leaders on how competing systems shape global policy—and why democratic performance matters.
Tailored for Every Audience
- Every keynote is tailored to the unique context of its audience—whether the focus is business innovation, geopolitical alignment, national security, or institutional strategy. Mark Kennedy’s delivery is engaging, pragmatic, and deeply informed by experience across sectors and continents.
- While his prepared remarks offer strategic clarity, audiences consistently find the real value in his interactive Q&A sessions. These conversations bring the frameworks to life through candid dialogue, sharp analysis, and real-time application.
Book This Keynote
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