Democratic governance in a turbulent age
Democratic politics and governance in Europe are facing turbulent times. This not only affects the institutions of government, but the wider structures and processes that make democratic societies work. In order to respond to them, we require an understanding of the nature, causes and consequences of these challenges, as well as assessments of how governments, political parties, interest groups and other societal actors can effectively address them.

With this proposal for a research programme on the topic of governance, NORFACE offers a timely investigation of the precise nature of the turbulence, but also how European states can negotiate it and develop strategies to enhance the quality of democratic politics and governance. The proposed programme will focus on themes derived from five critical challenges to democratic governance and the responses to them: inequality and redistribution, the evolving politics of threat, democratisation of information, shifting identities and representation, and the changing authority of institutions. Through collaborative cross-disciplinary research based on cross-national, historical and/or longitudinal comparison, the programme will develop theoretically ambitious and empirically founded insights to enrich the knowledge base upon which to build new institutions, policies and practices and reshape existing ones for a reflective, inclusive and innovative society.

NORFACE (New Opportunities for Research Funding Agency Cooperation in Europe) is a collaborative partnership of national research funding agencies in the area of social and behavioural sciences. Since 2004, NORFACE has been committed to leading and developing opportunities for social scientists in Europe by developing thematic joint research programmes; building capacity for transnational and interdisciplinary research; advocating for the societal value of the social sciences; and sharing excellence in research management practices and procedures.