6 insights and recommendations from our American Studies session on the future of democracy in America and its place in the world
This year’s convening of the American Studies program was a collaborative effort to diagnose trends and formulate ideas, away from the day-to-day news cycle. The session sought to de-politicize and de-polarize conversations and to look instead for common ground to find ways forward for the future of democracy and the rule of law in the United States. The session was intended to be a forward-looking, forthright, and substantive dialogue, featuring divergent and non-standard views, as well as the views of next generation leaders. We looked over the horizon beyond the current debates to have forthright conversations.
At the Salzburg Global American Studies session on “What Next for the U.S.? What Next for America in the World?” in September 2025, established and emerging leaders from civil society, academia, government, and the private sector assessed how recent events may impact the future of democracy in America and its place in the world in the next 10 to 15 years. The resulting six key insights and recommendations were crafted following their rich discussions over several days in Salzburg.
Fellows identified critical opportunities for:
- Holding elected officials accountable
- Reforming the justice system
- Rethinking the role of the corporate sector
- Reorganizing the (social) media ecosystem
- Supporting international exchange in U.S. higher education
- Securing America’s role in the international block of Western-liberal states.
Fellows recognized a responsibility on all parts of American society and international partners to continue to engage in dialogue and strengthen openings for civil discourse, exchange, and mutual learning. Many Fellows indicated they plan to share and further develop the insights and recommendations outlined in this document.
Download the key insights as a PDF
