“If we had tools like this in the 1990s, we might have avoided the Yugoslav wars.”
— Member of the 2024 Kosovo Citizens' Assembly
Executive summary
Amid the decline of democracy around the world, citizens’ assemblies are increasingly being employed to tackle complex policy issues, counteract populism, and rebuild trust. Central and Eastern Europe, in particular, faces internal democratic challenges and external threats from Russia and, in some countries, from China. Both these powers exploit societal disillusionment through disinformation and interference. Despite these challenges, the region’s strong tradition of civil society and innovation offers a foundation for democratic resilience.
This paper examines how citizens’ assemblies can help address authoritarianism in the region by enhancing democratic resilience and protecting against societal division. Through an analysis of 40 case studies, it reveals a growing "deliberative wave" since 2016, with the number of countries implementing assemblies expected to double by 2025. Qualitative interviews with practitioners highlight both the challenges, such as securing political will and resources, and the resilience and creativity in overcoming them. The paper concludes with recommendations for amplifying the impact of citizens' assemblies, stressing the importance of upholding deliberative standards and building systemic infrastructure.
Watch a recording of the launch event hereHow to cite this paper:
Ieva Česnulaitytė (2024), “Citizens' Assemblies: Democratic Responses to Authoritarian Challenges in Central and Eastern Europe”, DemocracyNext.
