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,...
Photos by Bruno Kaufmann
GOTHENBURG
WHERE IN THE WORLD IS BRUNO KAUFMANN? Gothenburg
The World's Biggest Local Democracy Unit, on the Swedish West Coast
Photo by Joe Mathews
ORZHYTSIA
LOCAL SNAPSHOT Mayor Olena Sydorenko
'The War Has Not Stopped Openness. The War Has Made Openness Essential'
Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons, Sept. 21, 2025. CC BY-SA 4.0
KATHMANDU
COLUMN Letter from 2027—How the Children's Revolt Went Global
The 'One Piece' Flag and the Kids Revolt Will Take Down Trump, and Authoritarianism
QUEZON CITY
LOCAL SNAPSHOT: Mayor Joy Belmonte
'Changes Depend on the Smallest Level of Government'
SAN FRANCISCO
COLUMN: The Antichrist Is No Peter Thiel
The tech billionaire is talking about the Antichrist. Now the Antichrist talks back
KATHMANDU
ASIA DEMOCRACY CHRONICLES: The Next Challenge for Nepal's Gen Z
2 Days to Topple a Government. 6 Months Til Election.
Youth Bridges Europe 2025
Voices of Resilience: What Bosnia and Herzegovina's Past Teaches...
We commenced our Youth Bridges Europe 2025 journey from 1-6 October in the beautiful and welcoming country of...
Democracy Camp 2025
Beyond the Ballot: How Digital Tools Power Youth Participation
When digital tools are used right, they can open new doors for young people to effectively participate in...
GABORONE
AWARDS: Global Forum on Modern Direct Democracy Wins at International...
Forum Wins for Civic Engagement; Sri Lanka, Somaliland, and the Philippines Take Home Top Awards
KADUNA STATE
SNAPSHOT: Kaduna State Executive Governor Dr. Uba Sani
An Activist Turned Governor on Partnership—and a New Transparency Portal