AMERICAN UNIVERSITY

Center for Democracy and Election Management

In 2002, American University created the Center for Democracy and Election Management (CDEM) “to educate and train undergraduate and graduate students and mid-career professionals in the management of elections and best democratic practices.” The center is closely tied with American University’s School of International Service and School of Public Affairs.

“CDEM's priority focus is to prepare students who are interested in democracy-related careers, and professionals who are engaged in democracy work, by providing a focused, sophisticated educational background not available elsewhere.” The programs are organized around three subjects: “(1) the management and conduct of elections throughout the world; (2) cross-regional comparison of democratic institutions; and (3) election-mediation as an instrument for resolving civil conflict.”

CDEM has held instructional institutes, conferences, and organized the Commission on Federal Election Reform, which was co-chaired by former President Jimmy Carter and former Secretary of State James A. Baker III.

For more information on CDEM, please click here.