Conference: Liberalism for the 21st century

#16-17 July 2026 (Washington DC, USA)

On July 16-17 at the Watergate Hotel in Washington, D.C., the Institute for the Study of Modern Authoritarianism (ISMA) convenes its third annual “Liberalism for the 21st Century” conference, bringing together the sharpest minds in the liberal democratic tradition from around the world to push back against rising forms of authoritarianism and chart a path toward liberal renewal.

This year’s theme is the Reconstruction Agenda, building on the work we’ve been doing at The UnPopulist. Speakers include Ezra Klein, Danielle Allen, Bob Bauer, Anne Applebaum, Francis Fukuyama, David French, Sarah Longwell, Jacob Levy, Kevin Williamson, Radley Balko, Walter Olson, Adam Serwer, Jonathan Rauch, Bill Kristol—and many more luminaries.

Our early bird special for the All-Access Pass—which includes every panel, the Friday lunch, and two dinners and receptions—ended on June 5. Due to continued heavy interest, we are waitlisting all All-Access holders from this point on. The price for a regular pass is $200–but, as always, students, faculty, and nonprofit workers receive 50% off. Last year, we were sold out several weeks in advance. Don’t miss out—go here to register!