The Kimberly Green Latin American and Caribbean Center (LACC) at Florida International University in collaboration with Freedom House, hosted the launch of Freedom in the World 2026, the organization’s flagship annual report examining global trends in political rights and civil liberties. The event brought together scholars, policy experts, students, and community members for a timely discussion on the evolving democratic landscape across the Americas. This year’s report focused on a region navigating significant political change, persistent security concerns, and growing debates over civic participation and institutional resilience. The program was co-sponsored by the Ruth K. & Shepard Broad Distinguished Lecture Series, the Václav Havel Program for Human Rights & Democracy, and the Dorothea Green Lecture Series.
During the event, participants explored both the challenges and areas of democratic progress highlighted in the 2026 report. Speakers discussed how several countries experienced advances through competitive elections and institutional reforms, while others continued to face pressures related to criminal violence, political polarization, weakened institutional checks and balances, and restrictions affecting civic organizations and public participation. The conversation also addressed how these developments continue to shape migration, regional cooperation, public trust, and broader efforts to strengthen democratic institutions throughout the hemisphere.
The program featured welcoming remarks by Shlomi Dinar, Dean of FIU’s Green School of International and Public Affairs, and opening remarks by José Miguel Cruz, Interim Director of LACC. Gerardo Berthin presented the report’s principal findings, followed by a panel discussion titled “The Vision for Democracy and Human Rights in the Region.” Panelists included Félix Madariaga, Trustee of Freedom House and President of Fundación para la Libertad de Nicaragua; Guilherme Casarões, Associate Professor in FIU’s Department of Politics and International Relations and the Brazilian Studies Program; and Eduardo Gamarra, Professor in FIU’s Department of Politics and International Relations. Together, the speakers examined the implications of the report for governance, democratic participation, security, and international cooperation across the Americas.
The event reflected LACC’s ongoing commitment to fostering informed dialogue on democracy, human rights, and public policy in Latin America and the Caribbean. By bringing together leading voices from academia and civil society, the program encouraged meaningful exchange on the opportunities and challenges shaping the region today and reinforced the importance of continued engagement on issues affecting democratic governance throughout the hemisphere.