Welcome to FES Democracy of the Future

Our Topics

Polarisation & Autocratization

Polarisation & Autocratization

People have different opinions. Respecting the pluralism of opinions and convictions is one of the key tenets of a democracy. But democracy also requires coming together and finding a compromise. What happens if polarisation turns toxic and undermines this basis for compromise and progress? Find out More

Right-Wing Populism

Right-Wing Populism

Democratic backsliding is fundamentally linked to the rise of right-wing populist parties (RWPPs). It is leaders of RWPPs at the helm of illiberal democratic projects that are at the forefront of undermining democratic institutions. Understanding the electoral success of RWPPs is crucial if we want to successfully safeguard liberal democracy. More

Citizens' Assemblies

Citizens' Assemblies

Many democracies around the world have been plagued by increased political and societal polarisation, decreasing trust of citizens in the institutions of representative democracy and a decreasing willingness of citizens to participate in political processes. Can citizens' assemblies help alleviate these developments? Find out More

Youth Studies

Youth Studies

What are young people afraid of or hopeful about? In a rapidly changing world that is challenged by climate change, aging societies, and democratic decline in some parts of the world, the FES Youth Studies aim at encouraging informed debate about the attitudes, hopes, and fears of young people between the ages of 15 and 29. More

Inequality & Democracy

Inequality & Democracy

How does inequality affect democracy? How unequal is participation and voter turnout? Are legislative bodies in fact an image of the society they assert to represent? How can we make democracy more equal so it fulfills the promise of equal consideration of interests and opinions? What can progressives do about that? More

EU Rule of Law Mission

EU Rule of Law Mission

The Twelve Missions for a Progressive Europe address the most important challenges for the future of Europe and pave the way for a European Union that makes a tangible difference to the everyday lives of its citizens, giving them confidence in the future. One of these missions is to bolster the rule of law. More

Publications

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Europe's energy in citizens hands
Affordable and clean energy for all
Let's close the European raw material cycle
Europe abides by the rule of law
Safe Cities
Levelling-up in Europe
Resilient Europe
Start-up Europe
A European defence shield
Europe cares for us
A social Europe that works
A social Europe that leaves no one behind

About Us

FES Democracy of the Future is part of the international branch of Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung working on democracy in the OSCE region and based in Vienna. In collaboration with researchers, we explore and look for answers to key questions concerning democracy:

Find out more about us and our work here.