Event

Democracy is under pressure. Populists celebrated election victories in various countries. Studies report dropping trust in institutions. Events such as Brexit, the Capitol-Riots, and the occupation of the entrance to the Bundestag lower confidence in the ability of democratic societies to master the great challenges they face.

It has been argued that not less but more democracy may be the solution. In particular, there is hope that digital methods will allow citizens to participate more in democratic debate and decision making. In contrast, experts warn that existing digital tools such as online social networks demonstrate that a digital approach also has important disadvantages. 

This seminar, we will ask whether digital tools can enhance democratic debate and decision making. We will develop quality criteria and apply them to existing digital approaches such as the Conference on the Future of Europe.