In recent years, declining trust in democratic institutions has prompted renewed interest in alternative models of democratic participation. From citizens’ assemblies and sortition to digital platforms for mass consultation, policymakers and scholars are increasingly exploring how participatory and deliberative mechanisms can complement traditional representative systems.Â
This briefing paper examines how participatory and deliberative democracy can be strengthened in the digital age. Focusing on citizens’ assemblies, it assesses their benefits and limitations, and explores how emerging technologies including online platforms and machine learning tools can help address challenges of cost, scale, and inclusivity. The paper argues that well designed, technology supported deliberative processes can play a valuable role in enhancing accountability and democratic legitimacy.
Read the full report here: Participatory and Deliberative Democracy in the Digital Age
