Political developments in recent years as well as the global climate crisis have made innovative reflection on the organization and value of democracy increasingly urgent. Despite the great success of democracy in the last century, there is now growing concern that this system is entering a crisis. The representative democracy seem to be incapable of dealing with some of today's most burning issues, such as the climate crisis and growing economic and social inequalities. It has also proved difficult to ensure a political control of public activities that is both effective and able to protect central democratic and ethical values. All in all, many believe that the position of democracy as "the best form of government" is under threat.
However, research results in this area are difficult to interpret and the analyzes already made need to be deepened. This theme therefor aims to examine actual and possible threats to democracy, current and future problems with democracy, and how democracy can be developed in the future.
This theme includes:
- the boundary problem
- political and economic elites
- expert reports and their consequences
- evidence-based decision-making
- the role of experts
- polarization
Research leaders: Ludvig Beckman and Folke Tersman
