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Localizing Democracy Promotion: Seven Steps to Transforming U.S. Democracy Assistance

Catherine E. Herrold, PhD

Policy Brief No. 2/2023

December 2023

This policy brief argues that U.S. strategies to promote democracy have been largely unsuccessful because they misinterpret local understandings of what democracy means, and they overlook local organizations that are cultivating democracy at grassroots levels.

The U.S. Capitol
A recent State of Democracy lecture offered varying perspectives from Maxwell faculty members Brynt Parmeter, Leonard Burman and Colleen Heflin in a discussion led by Chris Faricy, director of the Campbell Public Affairs Institute.
Brynt Parmeter
The decorated U.S. Army veteran and former Department of Defense executive brings deep expertise in leadership, workforce transformation and innovation.
Robert Shetterly and Associate Dean Gladys McCormick
Robert Shetterly visited the Maxwell School recently to talk about his portrait series, a sampling of which is on display in the foyer.
Baobao Zhang Headshot

Baobao Zhang has received up to $200K to research the role of citizens in the governance of artificial intelligence systems.

Lecture Series


Campbell's lecture series bring together people with a diverse range of perspectives and interests to open dialogue, foster understanding and give the power of knowledge.

Bantle Symposium on Business and Government Policy

Campbell Debates

Campbell Lectures

Phanstiel Lecture Series on Leadership

State of Democracy Lecture Series

Tanner Lecture Series on Ethics, Citizenship and Public Responsibility

State of Democracy Lecture with Mayor Miner in full Maxwell Auditorium
CW Goodyear headshot

Campbell Conversation Spotlight


You probably know the name James Garfield, but how much else do you know about him, and why might he and his political times be relevant to considering today’s political landscape? Host Grant Reeher interviews C. W. Goodyear, a historian who has written a new definitive biography of him. His book is titled President Garfield: From Radical to Unifier.

December 9, 2023

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Localizing Democracy Promotion: Seven Steps to Transforming U.S. Democracy Assistance

Catherine E. Herrold, PhD

Policy Brief No. 2/2023

December 2023

This policy brief argues that U.S. strategies to promote democracy have been largely unsuccessful because they misinterpret local understandings of what democracy means, and they overlook local organizations that are cultivating democracy at grassroots levels.

Support the Campbell Public Affairs Institute

Campbell Public Affairs Institute
306 Eggers Hall