USC to facilitate live discussion for International Day of Democracy

For the inaugural time in its existence, USC will observe International Day of Democracy on Monday, September 15, featuring a dialogue between USC Interim President Beong-Soo Kim and Hollywood legend, former Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger.

This discussion, named “A Democracy Day Dialogue,” will occur at the University Park Campus, launching the university’s Presidential Distinguished Speakers Series and concentrating on the present condition of democracy globally and its effects on international politics. After the dialogue, the Day of Democracy event will feature a Q&A session with students, along with students at USC’s Capital Campus joining virtually from Washington, D.C.

“Democratic liberties are occasionally simple to overlook, but any democracy can collapse if each emerging generation doesn’t value and uphold the principles of free inquiry and mutual respect that sustain it,” stated Kim. “I hope every student takes a moment to recognize the democratic liberties that earlier generations have fought for.”

In 2007, the United Nations General Assembly declared the observance of International Day of Democracy to motivate governments globally to evaluate the status of democracy around the world. The inaugural officially recognized celebration took place on September 15, 2008.

Schwarzenegger is an excellent choice to initiate the university’s observance of the Day of Democracy, as he has a longstanding affiliation with USC through the USC Schwarzenegger Institute for State and Global Policy located at the USC Price School of Public Policy. Established in 2012, the institute is committed to fostering post-partisanship, civic involvement, and viable solutions to today’s most significant challenges.

“I hope students feel motivated by Gov. Schwarzenegger — regardless of their political stance — to be concerned about the world around them and actively participate in our democratic framework,” stated Kim.

USC interim president: Emphasizing civil discourse

Since taking on the role of interim president of USC on July 1, Kim has emphasized civil discourse as a core aspect of his leadership, highlighting the historical function of USC and similar institutions of higher education as venues for critical analysis and debate. He envisions USC as a place where students and community members can develop into more resilient, adaptable leaders with heightened emotional intelligence, capable of understanding and valuing others’ experiences, thoughts, and viewpoints.

Under Kim’s guidance, the university is introducing forums, events, and additional opportunities for the Trojan Family — encompassing students, alumni, faculty, and staff — to constructively and thoughtfully address issues that may divide or unite different communities.

“There’s a saying I appreciate, often attributed to Voltaire though he likely didn’t express it: ‘I disagree with what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to express it,’” asserted Kim. “That’s a vital perspective if we wish for our democratic freedoms to prosper.”

USC’s recognition of the Day of Democracy will also include further announcements and activities designed to promote shared values of trust and respect, according to Kim.

“It’s crucial not to hold such steadfast beliefs that one cannot listen to or consider alternate viewpoints,” Kim observed. “Maintaining an open mind is essential, both to democracy and to exceptional scholarship and education.”