Politics & Democracy

The current state of democracy is concerning due to various factors, including the rise of populist parties, misinformation spread through social media, and diminishing trust in democratic institutions. The power of authoritarian states and their success in promoting economic growth also raises questions about the legitimacy of democracy as the sole form of government. The future of democracy is uncertain, and it is crucial to understand what factors contribute to its resilience, as well as how it can decline or perish. This programme is designed to equip students with the necessary tools to analyse, critique, and improve democracy on a global scale. In close collaboration with scholars from the German Institute for Global and Area Studies (GIGA) in Hamburg, this programme offers a unique focus on democracy in both the Global North and the Global South, exploring questions about the desirability and legitimacy of democracy in various regions.