Democracy Reporting International (DRI) has adopted a new strategy to more effectively confront the numerous challenges that democracy faces worldwide.
As a system of governance, democracy best respects human dignity, promotes equality, and fosters peace. However, democracy is increasingly under threat. Not only are an increasing number of countries being governed by authoritarian regimes, but even established democracies are witnessing the rise of extremist parties that undermine the checks and balances essential to democratic governance. Moreover, growing polarisation hampers public debate, making it increasingly difficult to reach the compromises necessary for democratic progress. On the international stage, the spread of autocratic governance is fuelling both new and ongoing conflicts.
The longstanding struggle between democracy and autocracy is now evolving in unprecedented ways. Recognising this, our executive team, with contributions from the entire DRI community and approval from our supervisory board and shareholders, have developed a new strategy that breathes fresh air into our commitment to defending and advancing democracy globally.
Our new strategy introduces innovative solutions to the challenges facing democracy, while steadfastly upholding the core values that have guided DRI since 2006: the belief that supporting democracy, grounded in globally agreed principles, can create a world where informed citizens freely debate and drive real change through democratic institutions.
The challenges to democracy are deep-rooted and complex, requiring a multifaceted response. DRI’s new strategy for 2024-2027 is built on our interdisciplinary approach, which uniquely positions us to address these challenges—from safeguarding elections and ensuring governmental support for democracy to navigating the digital transition.
Our priorities for the next four years focus on key areas identified through rigorous analysis. We will pursue democratic advancements in these areas by adhering to DRI’s proven methodology and approaches. This includes a strong emphasis on inclusion, fostering debate across political divides, providing timely analysis and advice to policymakers, and building robust partnerships.