Representative democracy is under strain. Rising voter abstention, declining trust in institutions, and shrinking spaces for citizen participation are deepening a global “representative disconnect.” As traditional democratic channels weaken, powerful non-democratic actors increasingly fill the gap.
Our new Loop blog series, curated by Luca Verzichelli (University of Siena) and the REDIRECT Project, brings together fresh thinking on how to renew representation for the twenty-first century. Contributors will explore innovative ways to reconnect citizens and institutions, strengthen democratic governance, and adapt democracy to a rapidly changing political landscape.
We invite scholars and practitioners to join the conversation and share ideas that help turn democratic disillusionment into democratic renewal. Pitch your idea!
Date: 11 December 2025
Location: Siena, Italy
Partner: University of Siena (UNISI)
#DemocracyInCrisis #RepresentativeDisconnect #PoliticalInnovation #DemocraticRenewal #TheLoopSeries