Consider This: What Democracy Needs with Hélène Landemore

Join Oregon Humanities on April 7 at 7pm for a conversation with Hélène Landemore, author of Politics Without Politicians, on what democracy must become to meet the complexity, speed, and scale of today’s world. As democratic institutions in the U.S. and around the world come under increasing strain, Landemore invites us to consider what it would take to realize a government that’s truly by, of, and for the people. How might technology open up new possibilities for self-rule and what dangers might it pose? What role should elections, politicians, and representative institutions play in a democratic future? And what is the relationship between the legal and procedural side of democracy and the culture that democracy requires and helps to shape?

This conversation is part of the 2025–26 Consider This series, Beyond 250. 2026 will be the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, and we’re looking at what this milestone means: How do we think about and experience equality, freedom, independence, tyranny, justice, union, and other ideas central to the Declaration and to our nation’s understanding of itself? How has the Declaration shaped the country we live in today, and how might we shape its future?

Tickets are $15 and can be purchased through the venue website.

Event Accessibility:

• Wheelchair-accessible venue