Democracy

Democracy research and scholarship.

American flag waving on a sunny autumn day on the University of Notre Dame campus. The quad, crisscrossed by walkways, and several campus buildings are visible in the background.

Arts and Culture

Notre Dame's Democracy Initiative

The Notre Dame Democracy Initiative will establish the University as a leader in the study of democracy both in the United States and worldwide, as a convener for conversations.

The dome of the U.S. Capitol building, framed by green trees against a blue sky with white clouds.

Podcast

Women’s suffrage and political Barbies

In the first episode we drop in on political science professor Christina Wolbrecht. She’s co-authored a book titled, “A Century of Votes for Women,” which looks at how women have used their right to vote in the hundred years since the 19th Amendment was passed.

  2. Cropped view of a statue of Justice with the scales of law and order.

    Article

    Defending democracy

    Kellogg visiting fellows work towards justice in their native countries

  3. An aerial view of two churches, one blue and white, the other white and light blue, standing amongst the ruins of other buildings. The white and light blue church is heavily damaged with its roof caved in and rubble surrounding its base. The blue and white church appears intact with a bright blue tarp covering sections of its roof.

    Article

    Fighting for our cultural heritage

    Two Notre Dame professors equip Ukrainian students to identify, record, and preserve their culture in the midst of war.

  4. The U.S. Capitol Building in Washington, D.C., against a blue sky with soft clouds.

    News

    Essays on democracy draw attention to critical threats, explore safeguards ahead of Jan. 6

    Shortly after Jan. 6, 2021, when a mob stormed the U.S. Capitol building, Notre Dame’s Rooney Center for the Study of American Democracy established the January 6th, 2025, Project, which includes 10 Notre Dame faculty who are preeminent scholars of democracy. In an effort to understand the social, political, psychological and demographic factors that led to that troublesome day, the group created a collection of 14 essays aimed at drawing attention to the vulnerabilities in our democratic system and the threats building against it, hoping to create consensus on ways to remedy both problems. 

Discover and engage
  1. A chicken looking toward the camera in a farm setting.

    Article

    Fighting for faster virus detection

    An electronic nose developed by Notre Dame researchers is helping sniff out bird flu biomarkers for faster detection and fewer sick birds.

  2. Satellite image of a hurricane with a clearly defined eye over a blue gridded map.

    Article

    Fighting to improve hurricane forecasts

    Researchers at Notre Dame are improving hurricane forecast accuracy, giving officials time to evacuate and protect residents.

  3. Silhouetted statue with outstretched arms against a vibrant pink and orange sunset, with the golden dome of the Main Building and its statue of Mary at the University of Notre Dame.

    Photo Essay

    So long, summer

    The quiet summer days on campus.

  4. Single peanut in the shell on a reflective surface, with a blurred background of more peanuts against a warm, red and orange backdrop.

    Article

    From reaction to resolution: The future of allergy treatment

    How a child’s simple request led to an extraordinary breakthrough in peanut allergy treatment.

  5. Anatomical model of a spinal section with an artificial disc implant. Yellow and red cushioning discs are visible between the white vertebrae.

    Article

    Finding fusion: An engineer and neurosurgeon unite to improve spinal surgery

    A Notre Dame collaboration developed a new spinal implant, improving outcomes for more than 600 patients.

  6. Silhouette of a graduating student wearing a cap and gown, head bowed.

    Photo Essay

    May days

    The month in photos, May 2025.

  7. A doctor in blue scrubs holds a red stethoscope, preparing to examine a newborn lying in a hospital bassinet. A young woman wearing a yellow Notre Dame sweatshirt stands beside them.

    Podcast

    A better start for NICU families: Notre Dame leads the way in neonatal intensive care research

  8. Silhouette of a graduating student wearing a mortarboard, with the Basilica of the Sacred Heart at Notre Dame blurred in the background.

    Article

    Celebrating the Class of 2025

    Honoring achievement at the 180th commencement ceremonies.

  9. A woman with shoulder-length brown hair, wearing a fuchsia blazer and white shirt, smiles with her hands clasped in front of her in a small chapel. A crucifix and altar are visible in the background.

    Article

    Leading through service

    Laetare Medal winner Kerry Alys Robinson builds trust in the Church by meeting human needs.