Faith, Freedom, and the Fracturing of Democracy

Join us for a compelling fireside chat exploring the urgent and interlinked challenges facing democracies today, from the shrinking space for civil society and threats to freedom of religion, to deepening polarization and democratic backsliding. 

Across the world, democracies are under strain. Civil society is increasingly under pressure, spaces for dissent and dialogue are narrowing, freedom of religion is being contested, and polarization is shaping political discourse. While these dynamics may play out differently in different contexts, their echoes are global, and deeply concerning. 

This conversation begins from the lived realities of India, where activists, journalists, and religious minorities face rising restrictions, but it does not end there. We also reflect on the Netherlands, our host country, where debates around civil liberties, migration, and inclusion reveal similar tensions. While these concerns are deeply felt in India, they resonate just as strongly in the Netherlands and across the globe. In this moderated conversation with Marieke Koekkoek (Volt), Fatimazhra Belhirch (D66) and Isa Kahraman (NSC), we will reflect on these concerning trends, drawing connections between the local and the international. 

Come be part of an open and thought-provoking discussion which will invite reflection, dialogue, and collective insight. The panel will be followed by an audience Q&A. 

Let’s talk about the future of democracy and why it matters to all of us. 

📍 Location: The Hague Humanity Hub  
📅 Date & Time: October 16th, 17:00-19:00 
🎙️ Format: Panel conversation + Q&A+ networking drinks  
💬 Language: English 

Host or Publisher The London Story