Is India still the world's largest democracy?

This spring, India's nearly one-billion strong electorate will participate in what is set to be the biggest democratic exercise in world history. The large and often enthusiastic turnout at elections coupled with the country's long history of democratic stability has deservedly earnt India the status as "the world's largest democracy". But recent political developments suggest that all is not well. In most reports showing on the status of democracy globally, India routinely ranks among the "top autocratizing countries", and the freedom of the press, academic freedom and civil rights and liberties are all under pressure.

In this panel discussion, we use the coming elections as an opportunity to take stock of and discuss political developments in India over the last decade: How has Indian democracy evolved under the Modi government? Has India become less democratic over time, and if so, why, how and with what effects? And what role do conventional and new media play in shaping the political debate?

The panel is comprised by experienced India researchers based in the Nordic region:  

Elisabeth Eide from OsloMet

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Kenneth Bo Nielsen from the University of Oslo

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Arild Engelsen Ruud from the University of Oslo

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Sten Widmalm from Uppsala University

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Doors open at 17:30 and the panel discussion starts at 18:00

Open to all. Free Entry.

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