Beginning Dec. 2 and continuing through Dec. 8, various departments and agencies across the U.S. government will engage in virtual activities with the goal of debating “democratic renewal” in the runup to the Summit of Democracy on Dec. 9-10. According to State Department spokesman Ned Price, these various agencies “will join a wide spectrum of advocates, journalists, private sector and members of civil society from around the world, as well as lawmakers and local government officials, in hosting official side events about democratic renewal.” Price gushed that the U.S. is just thrilled to highlight 19 events “that will catalyze action across the Summit pillars: strengthening democracy and defending against authoritarianism, fighting corruption, and promoting respect for human rights.”