Democracy in Peril: Paths to Renewal – 2026

Overview

In 2025, the challenges facing American democracy remain as urgent and complex as ever. Recent polls continue to show that a majority of Americans believe democracy is under threat. Misinformation, election denialism, and deepening political polarization continue to undermine public trust in democratic institutions. Despite certification by all 50 states and numerous court rulings, a significant portion of the American public still questions the legitimacy of the 2020 presidential election.

The notion of American exceptionalism—once taken as a given—is under increasing scrutiny as global indices rank the U.S. democracy as “backsliding” or “at risk.” Bipartisan cooperation in Congress remains rare, and foundational principles such as truth, equal justice, and voting rights are fiercely contested in political and legal arenas.

This program offers students a front-row seat to the ongoing democratic reckoning—both in the United States and globally. Students will engage directly with the institutions and individuals striving to defend and strengthen liberal democracy. Over eight weeks, participants will intern with think tanks, or nonpartisan and bipartisan nonprofit organizations committed to core democratic values—such as voting integrity, freedom of speech and the press, equal protection under the law, and fact-based policymaking.

Students will also benefit from access to an ecosystem of academic seminars, public forums, and policy briefings that expose them to a diversity of ideas and voices across the political spectrum. Duke’s vast alumni network in public service and democracy-related fields will further support students through mentoring and programming.

Weekly group dinners will provide space for reflection, discussion, and debate about the future of American democracy—fostering a community of informed and engaged leaders ready to carry this vital work forward.

This is not just an opportunity for academic and professional growth—it is a call to civic action. There has never been a more critical time to defend liberal democracy.

Community Partnerships

Here are some examples of the kinds of organizations we worked with in past summers:

• Politifact
• Civic Nation
• Issue One
• PEN America
• Congressional Management Foundation
• Center for Election Innovation and Research
• League of Women Voters
• The Association of American University Professors

We hope to add other organizations for summer 2026.

Professor Mlyn will work with community partners to arrange student placements after acceptance into this program. The nature of student work will vary according to the placement and needs of the partner.  Most work will take place in an office setting and could involve research, writing and policy analysis. Some placements may be virtual or hybrid. Students with specific placement ideas should feel to ask about those in their DukeEngage interview.

In applying for this program, students must understand that placement could be at any one of the community partner organizations, or others that later become available. Students need to be aware that: (1) some placements may require a separate application process or further interviews, and (2) final decisions will be made by partners and the program director, not by students.

Program Requirements

Coursework: Political Science, Public Policy and American government courses are recommended, but more important than this is an interest and commitment to public policy issues.

Skills: Good writing skills, knowledge of history and American government, some political experience would be of benefit.

Personal Qualities: Students with a deep sense of their own role as citizens or a desire to strengthen those roles for themselves will benefit most from this program and contribute most to the organizations they are working with. Students need to be organized and self-motivated, and be willing to work in teams. To succeed in the placements in Washington, students will need to achieve a high degree of professionalism. Emphasis is placed on building a strong cohort and learning community, in which everyone is fully engaged. The program director hopes to recruit students with a wide range of political views and values.

Logistics

Housing, meals, and transportation: Students will live together in a university dorm with kitchen facilities. Bedrooms, kitchens, common rooms, and bathroom facilities may be shared. Students will have a meal allowance. This meal allowance will cover groceries to prepare their own meals. Students will get a SmarTrip card, which can be used on Metro trains and buses for transportation to and from their placement sites, though in the past most students have been able to walk to their placements, though in the past most students have been able to walk to their placements. Cars are not permitted.  Students will also have access to the Duke in DC offices for meetings, virtual work, and enrichment.

Local safety, security, and cultural norms: If you have special needs related to health, culture, disability, or religious practices, we encourage you to contact the program director(s) or the DukeEngage office to discuss whether your needs can be accommodated in this program.

For guidance on how race, religion, sexual/gender identity, ability, or other aspects of identity might impact your travels, we suggest exploring the Diversity, Identity and Global Travel section of the DukeEngage website.

Academic Connections

This program is open to all, and might especially appeal to students taking courses in political science and public policy. Whether through course work or experience, students should have a basic understanding of how American government works, how citizens organize to achieve social change and the current political environment.

Students who participate in this program might go on to pursue work in political science and public policy and might be interested in working with programs at Duke like POLIS: The Center for Politics, Bass Connections, and the Hart Leadership Program.