Professor Anne Norton speaks of the hard work of democracy

May 26-June 5, 2009

Professor Anne Norton

Protesters in the streets struggling to have their voices heard; citizens in fear of losing personal freedoms; a collective longing for a country better than the one they have. This is a picture of Georgia today, but it is also a picture of late 18^th-century America, and of America's continuing re-definition of democracy over the centuries as portrayed by Professor Anne Norton in her visit to Georgia. 

Dr. Norton, of the University of Pennsylvania, delivered the plenary speech "The Longing for Democracy" to the 10th International Conference on American Studies at Tbilisi State University. Capturing the conference theme of "The Experience of American Democracy," Professor Norton spoke of how democratic values have been expressed and implemented throughout the history of the United States, with citizen participation and periodic protest at its heart.  While applauding the gains in civil rights over the past half century, Dr. Norton pointed out the challenge of finding new ways to secure old freedoms, but underscored Americans' underlying confidence in U.S. democratic institutions. 

Professor Norton also traveled to the western regions of Imereti and Ajara to speak with civil society representatives, representatives of local government, students and professors in Kutaisi and Batumi.  At roundtables, lectures and discussions, she spoke of the hard work of democracy and of the constant need for each generation of citizens to participate, have patience and persevere in attaining and redefining democracy.