Stories

Member Story
Shadows of the Past: How Soviet Inferiority Narratives Hinder Democracy in Moldova and Ukraine
Post-Soviet countries like Ukraine and Moldova are deeply influenced by inferiority narratives — pervasive beliefs of national inadequacy rooted in Soviet-era legacies. This article examines how these narratives shape...
IDC Theme of the Month
From Backsliding to Breakthrough: Civil Society as Democracy's Last Line of Defence
Democracy does not vanish overnight; instead, it erodes step by step. Authoritarianism grows in the cracks, but so does civic resistance. Around the world, civil society is proving that when democratic institutions weaken,...
European Union
Contested ECI turns five on Saturday
On 1 April 2017, the European Citizens’ Initiative (ECI) will celebrate its fifth anniversary. The...
European Union
Happy Birthday, EU! Now it is Time for Transnational Democracy
Six decades after the signing of its founding treaty, the European Union appears more fragile than ever. It’s...
European Union
Please, not another EU Declaration!
On 25 March 2017, yet another EU Declaration will be adopted as EU leaders gather in Rome to “celebrate” the...
Switzerland
Media 'crucial' in creating transparency
Can the traditional media still fulfill their role as watchdog in a direct democracy when social media...
European Union
How To Make Democratic Government Legitimate?
In the democratic upheaval of the 21st century, citizens still want the protection of laws and the ability to...
Armenia
Citizens-Referendum vs Power-Plebiscite
Showdown in the Caucasus: Once upon time Armenia, the Caucasian kingdom was the world´s first Christian...
Ecuador
Ecuador: "The government does not want the people to take decisions...
Super-election Day. On February 19 Ecuadors 12 million eligible people voted for a new President and a new...
European Union
European Citizens’ Initiative Day 2017
Since 2012 European citizens’ have the right to set the agenda of the European Union. This first tool of...
Ecuador
“The government of Ecuador is quite anxious“
On Sunday 19 February 2017, Ecuador’s 12 million eligible people faced a super election day: Beyond electing...
Romania
Romanias difficult struggle for democracy
Millions of Romanians have taken to the streets to protest against their government and in favour of strong...