The TWIN4DEM project is hosting a series of focus groups to explore policy scenarios relevant to our research model. These discussions will centre on two categories of scenarios:
- Internal political structures: Simulating risks of executive aggrandizement emerging from within a country’s own institutions.
- External shocks and factors: Exploring the impact of crises such as pandemics, terrorist attacks, economic collapse, or EU-level pushbacks.
Participants will discuss key questions, including:
- How plausible is the scenario in their national context?
- Which actors are most relevant (executive, judiciary, parliament, media, civil society)?
- How might these actors behave considering their preferences, incentives, and constraints?
- What outcomes are most likely: aggrandizement, prevention, or active resistance?
- Are there safeguards, counterweights, or early-warning signals?
- What role might external actors and shocks play in shaping events?
Focus Group Schedule
- 23 September, 11:00 – 16:00 – Lille
- 25 September, 11:00 – 15:30 – Rotterdam
- Followed by an open panel discussion on democratic reforms (16:30 – 18:30).
- 9 October, 10:30 – 15:30 – Prague
- 14 October, 10:30 – 15:30 – Budapest
Who Will Participate?
The focus groups bring together individuals with direct insight into democratic governance and institutional dynamics. Participants include:
- Civil society representatives actively engaged in safeguarding democratic values.
- Media professionals who monitor and report on political developments.
- Policy makers involved in shaping or implementing democratic reforms.
- Selected academics, where their expertise aligns with the scenarios under discussion.
If you are interested to join us and fall under one of these categories, please reach out to proskurina(at)democracy-international.org