Democracy
In many western countries, trust in politics is low, polarisation is growing and the democratic rule of law is under pressure.... is this a sign that the era of democracy is over? We think not. Democracy is not one encompassing institution but consists of a complex set of formal and informal rules. These institutions can potentially conflict with each other, affecting many facets of our society. Democracy and democratic values therefore deserve our upmost attention and may be in need of renewal.
Our experts look for institutional renewal and consider democracy across the board; not only in the rule of law and government, but also in corporations, organisations and transitions. What is needed for a viable and sustainable society worldwide based on democratic principles and procedures?
Institutions for Open Societies
Utrecht University's research on democracy concentrates in one of the university's four strategic themes: Institutions for Open Societies.
Future(s) of democracy
Watch the theme video about democracy featuring Paul 't Hart, Jeroen Oomen and Marty Colombo and read Mark Bovens' speech on 'The unwritten rules of the democratic rule of law'.
Our experts
Politics, the rule of law and citizenship
- Democracy and populism in West-Europe, crisis of the people's parties
- Relationship between government and citizens
Koen Haex
Email: k.haex@uu.nl- Forms and formation of cabinets
- Referendums and other forms of direct democracy
- Populism, electoral behaviour and migration, among others, the National Voters Survey
- Innovative forms of representative democracy
- Political and institutional critique and democratic values
- Political decision-making in uncertain times
- Popular representation in devolved administrations
Corporate democracy
- Social entrepreneurship
- Role of corporations in a liberal democracy
- Freedom of contract of shareholders
Democracy in transitions
- Power theories
- Representation in democracy, balancing interests in transitions
- Democracy at energy communities, energy transition
- Impact of knowledge on social organisations, democracy and power structures in, especially the sustainability transition
Europa
- European citizenship, division of powers, free movement, democracy and fundamental rights
- European Union governance and leadership
