U.S. Power in a DIY World

Across the globe, a profound shift is underway. Demands for self-determination are redistributing power from hierarchies to individuals and communities.  Meanwhile, old institutions struggle to adapt to and often resist the modern requirements of participatory government. Transparency is increasing, data is abundant, but systems of public accountability lag behind.  

What is the role that individuals can play in building the tools of modern governing?  How is technology leveraging participation to build this new public space? Is it building resilient democracy? i.e. helping societies endure crisis, navigate rapid change and prosper together?  What does the rise of social capital mean for American foreign policy?  Will civic empowerment make force obsolete? Will civic technology be able to bridge the gap between demands for inclusion and today’s mostly obsolete systems? The panel will feature experts and case studies from around the world in an audience participation discourse.

To RSVP, please visit the Social Media Week website.

Participants

Clare Lockhart
Co-founder and Director, Institute for State Effectiveness
Co-author, “Fixing Failed States”  

Leila Hilal 
Director, Middle East Task Force, New America Foundation 

Seamus Tuohy
Digital Communication Expert, Open Technology Institute, New America Foundation

Moderator
Lorelei Kelly
Research Fellow and Smart Congress Pilot Lead, Open Technology Institute, New America Foundation