Institute of Politics

Former IOP Pritzker Fellow Génesis Dávila on "From Democracy to Dictatorship – The Lens from Venezuela" THIS SEMINAR IS OPEN TO CURRENT UCHICAGO STUDENTS ONLY Wednesday, May 7 12:30-1:45pm How does a country go from free elections to fear, censorship, and exile? Authoritarian regimes rarely seize power overnight. Instead, they erode democracy from within—slowly, legally, and often with popular support. In this session, we will explore the case of Venezuela, once one of Latin America's most stable democracies, now a consolidated authoritarian state. Through the lens of Venezuela’s experience, students will learn how authoritarian governments across the Americas suppress dissenting voices through state-controlled media, criminalization of journalism, strategic lawsuits, surveillance technologies, and internet shutdowns. We will explore how these tactics operate in different political systems and how regional and international mechanisms work to defend freedom of expression. Special Guest (via Zoom): David Smolansky, Deputy Director of the ConVzla Presidential Campaign representing the opposition democratic leader, Maria Corina Machado, and President-Elected, Edmundo Gonzalez in Washington D.C ** This event is co sponsored by the University of Chicago's Forum For Free Inquiry and Expression ** Pritzker Fellows seminars are off the record and open to current UChicago students only. Seating in the IOP Living Room is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. If you have any questions about accessibility, please contact Sarah Palmisciano (spalmisciano@uchicago.edu).