What is needed for a viable and sustainable society worldwide based on democratic principles and procedures?

Utrecht University calls attention to the topic of democracy, a subject central to Institutions for Open Societies (IOS). By building on the energy and momentum we experience around this subject, we aim to establish a long-term initiative within IOS dedicated to exploring the future(s) of democracy. This initiative seeks to critically assess the state of democracy, address the fears and threats it faces, and develop strategies to counter them. Ultimately, it strives to provide a forward-looking vision for democracy’s global future.

    • Making, Unmaking and Remaking the Rule of Law

      This project is examining the state of the rule of law from different disciplinary and methodological perspectives aiming at Institutional Change and Transition in Turbulent Times. Read on for the Call for Contributions and join us for a kick-off event where  the basic ideas of this project and the activities planned so far will be introduced.

      Join us for the Seminar Series
    • Constitutional Innovation

      On Wednesday, the 7th of May

      Henk Kummeling (Utrecht University), Christoph Moellers (Humboldt-University Berlin), Jerfi Uzman (University of Amsterdam), and Eva van Vugt (Maastricht University) will debate pressing issues around constitutional innovation.

       

       

      Public Debate Series #2
    • Democracy, ecological transition and (tech-)media: convergences and contradictions

      On Wednesday, the 21st of May Ruth Moon (assistant professor of media and public affairs at Louisiana State University), and Robyn Eckersley (Professor in the Discipline of Political Science, School of Social and Political Sciences at the University of Melbourne), will debate pressing issues surrounding Democracy and Ecological transition. 

      Public Debate Series #3
    Picture with Matthew Flinders, Eva Rovers and ÀÖÓãºǫ́ scientists
    (Past) Public Debate #1: Overhauling democracy? Innovation, Domination and Desire with Matthew Flinders and Eva Rovers (From left to right - Lars Behrisch, Eva Rovers, Matthew Flinders, Stefanie Beyens)

    Global Futures of Democracy aims to achieve its goals through the development of various projects and ideas. It leverages the multidisciplinary structure of IOS, drawing on the University’s extensive network of expertise, collaborations, and thematic platforms. This approach fosters cross-disciplinary dialogue and innovation. Additionally, the initiative extends its efforts beyond academia, actively engaging with societal stakeholders, public institutions, and the wider community to bridge the gap between scholarly research and public discourse.

    In summary, the initiative’s goals are twofold:

    • To facilitate exchange in thematic clusters and various projects within and beyond Utrecht University.
    • To create lasting impact among the academic community and on public discourse.

    Expertise on democracy within Utrecht University

    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?

    Democracy dossier