The eighth annual Symposium on Democracy, titled "Democracy and Peace? Historical Links and Implications for World Order," plans to address the topic of whether democracy can lead to a more peaceful world on May 2 – 3 at Kent State University.

Highlights include a keynote address by well-known Vietnam political activist and author Tom Hayden; a dialogue with Edward Gray, producer of a PBS series America at a Crossroads documentary titled "Security Versus Liberty: The Other War"; and panel discussions by leading scholars on democratic peace in theory and practice, critical perspectives on democracy promotion, democracy and the global war on terror, and U.S. foreign policy after 9/11.

While democratic governments often fight wars against authoritarian regimes, historical patterns suggest they maintain peaceful relationships with other democracies, a concept known as the "democratic peace." American leaders have explicitly cited this historical pattern in exporting democracy throughout the world — by force in the cases of Iraq and Afghanistan. How successful is the United States in promoting such reforms overseas, and how does this effort sometimes clash with the nation’s own democratic values? Could the democratic peace stem instead from other sources, such as the spread of global capitalism and consumer culture?

The symposium will confront these and additional questions, that are critical to the success of U.S. foreign policies, the advancement of human rights and the prospect for stable world peace during the 21st century.

All events are free and open to the public. Registration is not necessary. For a detailed schedule of events, visit www.kent.edu/democracysymposium.

The Symposium on Democracy is held annually to commemorate the events of May 4, 1970. Reflecting on the events of the past presents a continuing opportunity to examine the present state of democracy and look for lessons that can be applied to the future.