The Democratic Disconnect

This report examines the dynamics of democracy, and the forces and mechanisms that derail or obstruct democratic development, or, alternatively, foster democratic sustainability at the national and international levels.

It argues that there is a yawning democratic disconnect, a gap between citizens and those institutions at the national, regional, and transnational levels tasked to answer to the challenges of governance.

Serious problems co-exist with greater potential for re-energising democracy across the transatlantic area. The key to developing the positive potential lies in enhancing the participatory vibrancy that represents the cornerstone of high quality democracy.