Democracy is not an endpoint, but a continuous process — Emory University Associate Professor Julieta Stepanyan

What lessons can the U.S. experience offer today?

Q: The United States has long been perceived as a model democracy. Now, as the country navigates significant change, what can the rest of the world learn from its experience?

A: What is happening in America today makes one thing unmistakably clear: democracy is never a finished reality. It is a constantly changing and evolving system that requires sustained attention, protection, and care. 

At one time, there was a sense of confidence in American society that democracy was stable and self-sustaining. However, it is now evident that democracy cannot endure without the active engagement of its citizens.

Democracy does not ask for passive observers — it requires engaged citizens. Every individual bears a responsibility to defend democratic values, particularly in the realm of human rights. This awareness is stronger today than ever before.

Equally important is the cultivation of civic culture — a sense of responsibility not only for one's own life, but also for the country and its global role. 

Universities: spaces of free thought or targets of political pressure?

Q: What role do universities play in these processes?

A: Universities are among the foundational institutions of a democratic society. Today, however, even in the United States, they often come under political pressure.

Although universities also face challenges and must continue working to address them, their core mission remains unchanged: to serve as spaces for free thought and critical thinking.

The First Amendment to the US Constitution guarantees freedom of speech, which in universities is expressed through academic freedom. This enables scholars to examine even the most difficult and uncomfortable topics in the pursuit of truth.

At the same time, academic freedom does not mean unlimited freedom; it also implies responsibility. When problems arise, the academic community has a duty to speak out about them.

Today, universities often also become platforms for public protest in response to global political events. Nevertheless, their fundamental value lies in fostering a culture of open discussion and debate.

Art and politics: relationship of mutual influence

Q: How do art and politics shape each other?

A: Art and politics have always been intertwined. Art is a powerful vehicle for expressing how a society thinks and feels, while politics frequently shapes the cultural landscape in return.

During the Velvet Revolution, for instance, artists played a significant role — not only in voicing protest, but in articulating new ideas and new perceptions of reality.

Political decisions can also have a direct impact on art. Cultural institutions, the performing arts, and even musical performances can become, at certain moments, part of political struggle.

Performances staged during major sporting events can similarly take on political dimensions. When artists choose a language, theme, or stance, they often generate a particular response within society.

All of this shows that politics can sometimes function as theatre, while art serves as its interpreter.

International university cooperation: what needs to change?

Q: How can cooperation between universities — particularly between the United States and other countries — be strengthened?

A: One of the central challenges today is the narrow scope of existing partnerships. Cooperation tends to be concentrated among a small number of institutions, which limits the possibility of systemic progress.

It is necessary to expand cooperation by involving more universities and establishing genuine partnerships. 

Language is also an important factor. English is the main means of global communication, which gives certain advantages in international cooperation. At the same time, local universities need to work towards increasing their visibility.

It is particularly important for leading national universities to take an active role in international academic platforms. This process, like democracy, requires time, consistency, and continuous development. Programs should be regularly reviewed and adapted to the changing world and to the evolving needs of students.

Cautious optimism about future

Despite the challenges, we are at a moment when more effective and meaningful cooperation can be built in both education and social development.

This path requires not only professional competence, but also commitment to values, with a focus not on personal interests, but on long-term and sustainable development.