3.2
Democracy
Keywords
Democratisation, minority protection, interethnic
relations, divided societies, Europeanisation, citizenship
education, participation, democracy, accountability,
devolution, electoral registration, electoral integrity
Expertise
The period of transition to a democracy is a difficult one
for societies, the University’s expertise can help to support
change in ethnically divided societies. From showing how
minorities may be protected to developing mechanisms
for improving and encouraging interethnic relations within
and between states, particularly where the same ethnic
groups can be found on two sides of the state borders.
This expertise helps NGOs working to promote minority
representation in local and national structures. Insights
into ethnic divisions can also help politicians and
development agencies to promote social cohesion.
Our expertise is placed within the institutional framework
of the EU. We have closely studied how former communist
states of Eastern and Central Europe have moved from
authoritarian regimes to democracy and how their gover-
nance and political structures fit within the wider European
context. We have also investigated how EU policy can
support the ongoing democratisation in the Arab World.
Liverpool boasts wide-ranging expertise in relation to
all aspects of the democratic process, including
elections, political parties, parliament, political
participation, devolved and local government, civil and
political rights and the role of the media. Our academics
are acknowledged national and international specialists
in fields such as the politics of Northern Ireland, devolved
government in Wales, English local government, electoral
registration and electoral integrity. In addition to publishing
academic outputs and presenting at academic
conferences, our politics experts frequently present
their research to non-academic audiences, provide
media commentary on contemporary political issues,
give evidence to select committees and produce
applied research and consultancy for public bodies.
We also have substantial expertise researching and
providing advice on the political role of youth in society.
We have studied patterns of youth voting and political
engagement; our knowledge and expertise in research
methodologies can help political parties decide how to
engage people in the political process.
Democratic Audit
The Democratic Audit is an independent research
organisation which audits democracy and human
rights in the UK. Established by University academics,
the team of staff and associates draws on a wider
network of scholars, lawyers and others. Its core
objective is to advance education and undertake and
promote research into the quality and effectiveness
of UK democracy. It also monitors democracy and
freedom in Britain through a series of democracy
assessments, reports and commissions, and through
evidence to Parliament and official bodies.
Relevant centres and groups
•
Europe and the World Centre.
Society & Culture
170
Also see:
Risk, Safety & Security –
3.
Human rights, social justice and
political solutions, page 124
For further information
on all our specialist
centres, facilities and
laboratories
go to page
179
