Global elections

How decades of debate over Stuttgart’s train station boosted local democracy

This content was published on Mar 18, 2026 In the debate over Stuttgart’s main railway station, politicians have learned lessons and, with Swiss support, bolstered local democracy.

Opinion

Global elections

Why direct democracy is also a stage for political parties to fight for attention

This content was published on Mar 10, 2026 Popular votes may appear to reflect the pure “will of the people,” but they also function as a stage for political parties, argues Dutch political scientist Toine Paulissen.

What experience have you had with referendums in your country?

Have you ever experienced a referendum where you live? Let us know!

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Feb 23, 2026

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Global elections

What it takes for a referendum to be fair

This content was published on Feb 23, 2026 Not only democracies hold referendums – semi-democratic and authoritarian states also run popular votes. Can such ballots ever be fair?

A person takes a selfie in front of a group, with the flags of NATO, North Macedonia and the EU in the background.

Global elections

Why parliamentary independence matters in North Macedonia

This content was published on Feb 9, 2026 For more than 15 years, Switzerland has provided support for North Macedonia’s parliament. What difference has this made?

Digital Democracy

Why EU direct democracy has struggled to take off

This content was published on Feb 5, 2026 Well over a decade after its launch, the EU’s tool for citizen participation has failed to gain traction, especially set against the wide popular rights enjoyed in Switzerland. Why?

Opinion

Global elections

What deportation opponents in the US can learn from Switzerland

This content was published on Jan 15, 2026 Did Americans vote for the deportation raids in schools? Historian Lauren Stokes points to the lessons of Swiss direct democracy.

Global elections

How our readers view democracy and its opponents

This content was published on Jan 7, 2026 Some of the answers are committed, some are provocative – but some are also reflective.

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Global elections

Global democracy in 2026: what’s on the horizon?

This content was published on Dec 29, 2025 In 2026, “AI slop” will submerge the internet, a pioneer of illiberal democracy is up for election, and the pioneer of liberal democracy celebrates its 250th birthday.

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Global elections

Can December elections break political stalemate in Kosovo?

This content was published on Dec 19, 2025 Following the parliamentary elections in February 2025, Kosovo descended into an institutional deadlock. Fresh elections are due at the end of December 2025.

Global elections

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Global elections

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How decades of debate over Stuttgart’s train station boosted local democracy

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Why direct democracy is also a stage for political parties to fight for attention

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What experience have you had with referendums in your country?

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What it takes for a referendum to be fair

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Why parliamentary independence matters in North Macedonia

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Why EU direct democracy has struggled to take off

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What deportation opponents in the US can learn from Switzerland

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How our readers view democracy and its opponents

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Global democracy in 2026: what’s on the horizon?

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Can December elections break political stalemate in Kosovo?

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