We are pleased to invite you to the 4th session of the Conference Series “What is Democracy?”, which will take place on May 28 at 3:00 PM in the Sala dos Conselhos of the University of Beira Interior (FAL).
The session will feature Professor José Reis (FEUC) as the speaker, presenting "The Political Economy of April 25: Democracy and Development."

CONFERENCE SERIES: WHAT IS DEMOCRACY?
As part of the celebrations marking the fiftieth anniversary of the 25th of April, this conference series aims to rethink the meaning, challenges, and future of one of the essential concepts in political history: the concept of democracy. From its origins in Ancient Greece to its reinterpretation in modern revolutions, democracy has always been a controversial subject. Far from having a clear and precise meaning, it is defined by a continuous questioning of its purpose and significance as a political regime. This feature becomes even more prominent in times of crisis like ours, when the problems and tensions of collective existence intensify, calling on all of us—as a community—to reflect on what it means to live democratically.

How can democracy respond to growing inequalities, authoritarian threats, and the complexities of globalization? What lessons can be drawn from the historical processes of establishing and consolidating democracy? What role do democratic regimes play in promoting social justice, ecological sustainability, and the redefinition of sovereignty in hyperconnected societies? How can democratic ideals be reimagined in light of past experiences of emancipation and resistance?

To explore these and other questions, the series will bring together experts from various disciplines, inviting them to discuss democracy through four fundamental dimensions:

• Classical dimension: the roots of democracy and its models in Antiquity.

• Philosophical dimension: the nature and foundations of the concept of democracy.

• Historical dimension: the evolution of democracy throughout history.

• Economic dimension: the relationship between democracy, economic policies, and social justice.

Throughout these conferences, the goal is not only to understand the concept of democracy but also to foster a critical debate that goes beyond academic boundaries, engaging the public in constructing new democratic interpretations and imaginaries. More than a tribute to the 25th of April, the series “What is Democracy?” is presented as a space of citizenship, a call to historical responsibility, and a commitment to the ideals that guided the Carnation Revolution—an effort to connect the richness of its legacy with today’s concerns and tomorrow’s promises