Electoral democracy in danger?

Many contemporary democracies are characterized by increasing levels of ideological and affective polarization. The research program of the CÉRIUM-FMSH Chair aims to stimulate comparative research on these forms of polarization, not only in Europe and North America, but also in other democracies. Among other things, we are interested in how conflicts around socio-cultural issues—such as immigration and cultural liberalism—may reinforce a dynamic of polarization. These issues foster the development of new social identities and lead to identity-based conflicts that are more difficult to resolve. These developments are worrisome as increasing polarization may limit the ability to find compromises and can lead to a crisis of representation.

“Electoral Democracy in Danger?”. Summer school organized at Sciences Po, 3-7 July 2023

“New Challenges to Democracy”. Workshop organized at the Station de Biologie des Laurentides, Université de Montréal, 12-14 September 2022

“Affective Polarization: A Challenge for Electoral Democracy?” Workshop organized at Sciences Po, Paris, 20-21 May 2022

Podcast: Presentation of the Chair

“Do protests mobilize voters? The 2019 protests in Bolivia and Chile and their effect on elections”, by Francisca Castro, Humboldt-Universität, Berlin

“Why aren´t radical voters more satisfied with democracy when entering the political system? The role of affective polarization », by Álvaro Canalejo-Molero and Morgan Le Corre Juratic, European University Institute