Referendums and citizens initiatives can be a popular way to push politicians to listen to the people – they can also be an exercise in propaganda.
Academic rigor, journalistic flair
Articles on Local democracy
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Trevor Ngwane, an activist and academic, shows how structures that emerged in the struggle against apartheid continue in democratic South Africa, now in conflict with the ruling ANC.
The bigger parties which contest elections at all three levels would benefit the most – but voters might split their votes.
Randomly selecting citizens to take turns governing offers the promise of reinvigorating struggling democracies, making them more responsive to citizen needs and preferences.
After Brexit, we need inclusive conversations.
The proposed amalgamation of 40 NSW councils has generated heated opposition. While public resistance has now won out in several regional communities, it’s a different story in the city.
Good governance is the right thing to do, and boosts the legitimacy of decision-making. If moral chivalry doesn’t appeal, here are two more reasons: it’s cost-efficient and delivers better solutions.
Community media is ensuring society stays informed at all political levels.
A closer look at the recent local elections can help to shine a light on the future of the “Northern Powerhouse” and its impact on local democracy in the North of England.
Top contributors
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Professor of Politics, Department of Government and International Relations, University of Sydney
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Professor, Institute for Culture and Society, Western Sydney University
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Emeritus Professor & UTS innovation adviser, University of Technology Sydney
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Associate Professor in Law, UNSW Sydney
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Professor of Citizen Participation, University of Essex
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Reader in Politics, University of Huddersfield
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Senior Lecturer in Politics and International Relations, Director of the Centre for Middle East and North African Studies, Macquarie University
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Lecturer in Politics, De Montfort University
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Professor in Political Science, University of South Africa
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Distinguished Reserach Professor, Southern Centre for Inequality Studies, University of the Witwatersrand
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Lecturer in Comparative Politics, UNSW Sydney
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Senior lecturer, School of Journalism, Media, and Cultural Studies, Cardiff University
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Professor of Political Science, Texas Tech University
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Research Assistant of Southern Center for Inequality Studies, University of the Witwatersrand
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Professor of Political Science, University of Chicago
