Preserving a free society series

The International Bar Association (IBA) presents:
Preserving a Free Society

A series of bipartisan discussions on the rule of law – its critical importance to free societies and how best to sustain and defend it


The International Bar Association (IBA) has launched a six-part series of live events featuring former and current senior government officials and other distinguished guests, to discuss contemporary rule of law challenges faced by societies around the world. Each panelled event will bring a mix of perspectives on rule of law issues, including what the often-used phrase means; its implications; what practical meaning it has for public citizens and for those in government; and its importance to the institutions, traditions and durability of free societies.

The IBA wishes to acknowledge and thank White & Case for the hundreds of hours of pro bono research assistance it has provided in support of the IBA’s “Preserving a Free Society” and “Rule of Law Town Hall” series.

Below are the discussions held thus far. Click an event to watch the footage.

Preserving a Free Society series

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Governmental Power and the Rule of Law

Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, Washington, DC

19 April 2018

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Independent media and the Rule of Law

National Archives, Washington, DC

7 June 2018

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Threats to the Rule of Law: are we at a crisis point?

Roma Convention Center La Nuvola, Rome

11 October 2018

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The Responsibilities of Congress in Maintaining the Rule of Law

Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, Washington, DC

28 March 2019

Rule of Law Town Hall series

Constitution Day Rule of Law Town Hall

Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law, Phoenix, AZ

17 September 2019

Drake University, Des Moines, IA

Hosted by Drake University Law School and Drake Constitutional Law Center

21 November 2019

George W. Bush Presidential Center, Dallas, TX

Hosted by Southern Methodist University Dedman School of Law

12 February 2020

Building Blocks of the Rule of Law

Miami Dade College, Miami, FL

25 May 2022

Look after the Rule of Law, and it will look after you

Watch our short video series illustrating how our everyday lives are affected when the different elements that make up the Rule of Law are flouted.

Watch the videos