Stories

Digital Democracy and e-Governance
Digitalisation Can Divide Us or Empower Democracy — We Decide
Town halls are moving online, we are able to sign petitions from the comfort of our own homes, and collective action can suddenly start with a simple hashtag. Whether it is better connectivity, the ability to strengthen networks...
IDC Theme of the Month
Digital Democracy & e-Governance: How Digital Tools are Reshaping Citizen Participation in the 21st Century
On the International Democracy Community (IDC) platform, we're introducing monthly themes inspired by the ideas and interests you shared in our recent survey. We're kicking things off with the theme Digital Democracy and e-...
Switzerland
Direct Democracy Good For the Economy
The advantages of #citizenpower in politics outweighs potential negative impacts on a countrys economy,...
Taiwan
Towards a citizen-drafted constitution in Taiwan
A coalition of social activists and human rights groups are pushing for a citizen – based rewriting of Taiwan...
USA
What better way to learn democracy than by doing it?
A High School in Arizona is experimenting with participative budgeting and offers the evidence that kids can...
USA
How direct democracy helps U.S. become a better place
Poor America! At first sight the recent US midterm elections offer little relief. America´s traumatised...
USA
The ugly Beast and its unlikely Beauty
Democracy in America has seen better days ever since French political thinker Alexis de Tocqueville first...
Scotland
Scotland: A true victory for people power
The citizens of Scotland have decided. Against full independence. But also for more democratic powers for all...
Switzerland
How to (mis)understand Swiss direct democracy
As a Swiss citizen of the European Union with - even if very limited - executive powers in a Swedish city, I...
Uruguay
A New Reality for Latin America's Most Established Democracy
Citizens of Uruguay have once more resorted to initiatives and referendums during the past two years. But for...
European Union
Our Democratic Need of Public Squares
Maidan Square in Kiev. Taksim Square in Istanbul. Tahrir Square in Cairo. Recent democratic movements around...
European Union
How to water down a (r)evolution
In Europe, the very first transnational citizens´ initiative has received its official response. It is a...