Molly Ball in Conversation with Justin Gest on His New Book, Democratic Drain

​In the decades since the end of the Cold War, global migration has accelerated, populism has spread, and authoritarian regimes have grown more entrenched. As the world increasingly divides into democratic and undemocratic spaces, migration patterns may be shaping political outcomes in ways we do not yet fully understand.

​In his new book, Democratic Drain, Professor Justin Gest draws on interviews and data from 149 countries to examine how global migration can filter people with liberal democratic values out of authoritarian societies–weakening prospects for democratization and contributing to democratic backsliding worldwide. The book offers a timely and provocative new framework for understanding the relationship between immigration and democracy.

​Please join the Niskanen Center for an in-person lunch conversation on Tuesday, June 2, from 12:00–1:30 p.m., as we discuss the book’s findings and their implications for democratic governance around the world.

​The conversation will feature:

​Professor Justin Gest, Author and Senior Fellow at the Niskanen Center

​Molly Ball, former National Political Correspondent at The Wall Street Journal