The rise of autocracies. Perspectives from Ibero-America – first Democracy Roundtable of 2026

In a context in which democracies are facing new challenges and opportunities, the University of Deusto is launching its innovative Master’s Degree in Democracy, Public Institutions and Political Innovation. Going beyond academic training, the programme aims to become a space for encounter and experimentation between the university sector, public institutions, social stakeholders and the wider public.

It is within this framework that the Democracy Roundtables are being launched: an international series of seminars conceived as a collaborative project between the University of Deusto, the Basque Government and Arantzazulab. This forum aims to serve as a living laboratory for democracy and public innovation, bringing academic knowledge and critical reflection closer to society as a whole.

 

To this end, the first Democracy Roundtable of 2026 will take place on 22 January at 17.30 in the Foro Room at the San Sebastian Campus (Larramendi building), featuring the discussion “The rise of autocracies. Perspectives from Ibero-America”. The event will bring together three Ibero-American experts: Jordan Rodas (Guatemala) — former Human Rights Ombudsman of Guatemala —; Eva Martich (Argentina) — political scientist and PhD in Social Policy —; and Ramiro Navas (El Salvador) — activist, communicator and human rights defender —. Attendance is free of charge and requires prior registration via the following form: registration.

 

This initiative seeks to promote informed and plural debate on one of the most significant political phenomena of our time, fostering critical reflection and democratic dialogue between academia, institutions and citizens.

 

“The rise of autocracies. Perspectives from Ibero-America”

 

Under the title “The rise of autocracies. Perspectives from Ibero-America”, the Democracy Roundtable will give the floor to three Ibero-American experts: Jordan Rodas (Guatemala), Eva Martich (Argentina) and Ramiro Navas (El Salvador). The session will analyse authoritarian trends in different countries across the region and their impact on democracy, institutions and citizenship.

 

Throughout the discussion, the political, social and economic factors behind the strengthening of autocratic leaderships will be explored, along with the challenges these processes pose to the rule of law, the separation of powers, freedom of expression and human rights. The speakers will contribute perspectives and assessments grounded in their professional backgrounds and personal experience.

 

The session will also explore possible responses from academia, institutions, social actors and citizens, as well as on the role of Ibero-America in a global context marked by democratic erosion. Through open dialogue, the event aims to encourage informed and plural debate on one of the most relevant political phenomena of our time.

 

Jordan Rodas (Guatemala)

 

Former Human Rights Ombudsman of Guatemala (2017–2022) and former President of the Ibero-American Ombudsman Federation (FIO) (2017–2019). He was a candidate for Rector of the University of San Carlos of Guatemala and was proclaimed vice-presidential candidate alongside Maya-Quiché leader Thelma Cabrera for the Movement for the Liberation of Peoples (MLP).

 

He is a senior lecturer in Constitutional Law and Administrative Law in Quetzaltenango. He holds a Master’s degree in Democracy, State and Law from the University of the Basque Country, and a Master’s degree in Local Management and Public Administration from Carlos III University of Madrid. He also holds a postgraduate diploma in Anti-corruption, Transparency and Accountability from the University of Chile.

 

He has been elected twice as a member of the Municipal Council of Quetzaltenango for the Xe-Ju Civic Commission. After more than three years in exile, he currently holds political asylum granted by the Spanish state.

 

Eva Martich (Argentina)

 

Political scientist and PhD in Social Policy. Specialist in the analysis and evaluation of social, health and gender policies in Latin America and the Caribbean. She combines academic research with advisory work for international organisations and governments, as well as undergraduate and postgraduate teaching in her day-to-day professional activity.

 

Ramiro Navas (El Salvador)

 

Activist, communicator and human rights defender. Promoter of a democratic social platform opposing the current Salvadoran government.

 

He is a political analyst for Radio La RR and El Diario de Hoy, and a member of the Movement for the Rights of the Working Class (MDCT). He has worked as a consultant at the Centre for Training for Democracy (CECADE) and was a candidate for Mayor of the capital city of El Salvador.