This episode of Peace Matters explores the underlying causes of today’s crisis of political trust. Drawing on recent events, the discussion centers on the meaning of trust in democracy at a time when confidence in institutions is declining globally. The episode examines whether democracy can persist without widespread trust or if increasing skepticism toward political leaders may actually drive necessary change. The origins and scope of political disillusionment in 2026 are analyzed, alongside comparisons to previous periods of democratic strain.

The episode also addresses the pressing question of whether democracies can adapt as digital transformation and artificial intelligence disrupt established norms, all while maintaining freedom and accountability. Is democracy unraveling, or is this simply another phase in its ongoing evolution?

Guest:

Tamara Kamatović is a Lecturer at the Yehuda Elkana Center for Teaching, Learning, and Higher Education Research, where she designs and teaches courses and facilitates workshops for doctoral students and faculty at CEU and partner institutions. Her work focuses on democratic and inclusive teaching, research-enriched teaching, technology-enhanced learning, and the history of education.

She received her PhD from the University of Chicago, where she researched at the intersection of literature, history, and philosophy. Her current research investigates the relationship between democratic backsliding, technological solutionism, and teaching practice. She is the coeditor of a series on Democratic Universities and Academic Freedom.

Accompanied by:

Gjergj Loka, Project Coordinator at the IIP

The episode was recorded on 27 February 2026.