Participatory Democratic Innovations in Southeast Europe

In the ever-evolving global landscape, where traditional forms of participation no longer suffice to meet the demands of complex democratic processes, this edited volume serves as an invaluable resource. Its insightful exploration of the challenges faced by democracies, particularly in regions like Southeast Europe grappling with autocratization, resonates deeply with our mission to foster democratic development worldwide. By delving into the potential of civil society and social movements as agents of democratic innovation, this volume not only sheds light on the complexities of modern democracy but also offers practical insights for navigating and rejuvenating it in challenging environments. The case studies focus on Southeast Europe, including Hungary, providing real-world examples that provoke essential discussions and inspire innovative approaches. For anyone seeking to understand the dynamics of democratic innovation and its critical role in sustaining and renewing democracies, this book is an indispensable resource. Tiago C. Peixoto, Senior Public Sector Specialist, Chair of the World Bank’s Community of Practice for Citizen Engagement This timely edited volume sheds light on the emergent landscape of participatory and deliberative democracy in Southeast Europe. By focusing on a region where such democratic tendencies have been sparse, this volume pioneers an exploration of Southeast Europe’s democratic awakening. In an environment where citizen mobilization has gained momentum, seen through the rise of social movements and grassroots civic initiatives, the book highlights the symbiotic relationship between the citizens’ dissatisfaction with unresponsive institutions and the potential for democratization. The book tackles the rarity of efforts to institutionalize deliberative institutions in Southeast European countries, where such democratic innovations remain largely uncharted territory. Building on the practices observed within the vibrant social movements scene, the book explores the potential transformation of these practices into institutionalized mechanisms for voicing citizen needs. In an era marked by the ominous spread of autocracy, this book offers a ray of hope and insight into the power of democratic innovation as a potent antidote to crisis. Vedran Džihić, Senior Research Fellow at the Austrian Institute for International Affairs (oiip), and Executive Board member of the Institute for Democratic Engagement Southeast Europe This book delves into the challenges facing democracy in challenging contexts with autocratizing tendencies and explores the potential for democratic innovation and renewal. In particular, it discusses the limitations of traditional forms of participation and examines how civil society and social movements can play a pivotal role in revitalizing democracy. The case studies included in this book offer valuable insights into the complexities of democratic processes, making it relevant to your interest in Southeast European contexts and the potential for civic engagement in hybrid regimes. The book provides a comprehensive overview of Southeast European context and offers a scholarly perspective on the dynamics of democracy and its challenges, making it a valuable read for political scientists exploring the intersection of democracy, social movements, and political innovation. Stefania Ravazzi, Associate Professor in Political Science, Department of Culture, Politics, and Society, University of Turin