This course introduces students to core debates relating to democratic developments and challenges to democracy in Europe. The course is anchored in a multi-level perspective, covering both the national and the European perspective. The lecture discusses the institutional and cultural underpinnings of democracy as well as current challenges in the form of the rise of populism and democratic backsliding and the responses that democratic actors can provide to these developments. It equips students with a solid understanding of the key concepts from democracy research and recent developments in this field. The course covers core concepts of democracy studies including institutions, political parties, citizens, and ideology. It places particular emphasis upon the phenomenon of democratic backsliding, the way in which it affects both national and EU politics, and the way in which institutions at both levels have responded to the challenges it poses.
- Enseignant·e: Natasha Wunsch