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Budapest, Hungary

CEU Democracy Institute

Project research theme: Populism and Ideology

The CEU Democracy Institute is dedicated to analysing and addressing the contemporary challenges confronting democracies worldwide. Building on Central European University’s 30-year heritage of exceptional research, education, and advocacy for democracy and freedom, the Institute embodies a transatlantic essence, drawing from both American and European academic traditions.

Situated in Budapest, the Institute stands at the forefront of efforts to safeguard the rule of law and nurture open societies. While its roots are in Budapest, its vision is global, thanks to its affiliation with the CEU network. The Institute’s esteemed researchers and state-of-the-art facilities make it a magnet for distinguished intellectuals. As a pivotal hub for open discourse and multidisciplinary collaboration, it seeks to generate novel insights and devise strategies to bolster and sustain democracies around the globe.

Cape Town, South Africa

The Nelson Mandela School of Public Governance, University of Cape Town

Project research theme: Democratizing the Developmental State

The Nelson Mandela School of Public Governance at the University of Cape Town provides professional and academic training and forums for discussion for senior public officials and those engaged in public policy across Africa and the world. It trains top graduates to prepare them for public leadership positions and provide executive training for senior managers and elected office bearers. The design of many programmes is also suited for international organisations, non-profit organisations, think-tanks and the private sector in mind.

One of the School’s core activities is bringing together policymakers, experts and other leaders in society around crucial policy issues. The centrepiece of this effort is the Building Bridges programme which connects established and rising leaders from all over Africa to engage with intractable problems with the view to establishing new networks of expertise and trust. The School also engages in original research and generate evidence-based policy advice on critical development policy and practice challenges in Africa. In doing so, the School acts as a cross-cutting hub, bringing together and building on the academic resources of different faculties at the University of Cape Town, as well as those of local and international partners.

Colombo, Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka Social Scientists’ Association (SSA)

Project research theme: Exclusionary regimes, autocratization and democracy

Founded in 1977, the Social Scientists’ Association (SSA) has dedicated itself to understanding the multifaceted realities shaped by social change in Sri Lanka and South Asia. The SSA champions the creation of knowledge that supports efforts towards social emancipation for underserved communities. Its foundational objectives encompass research, the publication and broad sharing of unique findings, establishing a library and documentation centre, and fostering a space for discourse and debate. The founders envisioned the SSA as a catalyst for programs promoting development and social transformation.

Over the years, SSA has garnered international acclaim for its research in areas like ethnicity, political-economy of development, gender equity, democracy, conflict resolution, social transformation, labour, and human rights. The association has been a hub for some of Sri Lanka’s most esteemed academics and thinkers. Many of its publications have been translated and distributed widely in English, Sinhala, and Tamil. Reinforcing its dedication to knowledge dissemination, the SSA consistently hosts workshops, discussion panels, monthly lectures, book events, and fairs, drawing both local and international scholars, as well as an engaged public.

Bogotá, Colombia

Alberto Lleras Camargo School of Government, Universidad de los Andes

Project research theme: New patterns of mobilization for and against democracy

Founded on November 16, 1948, under the leadership of Mario Laserna, Universidad de los Andes (Uniandes) was established with a mission to elevate higher education and promote a pluralistic society. Conceived as a private, non-partisan institution, Uniandes stands as a beacon of autonomy and independence. It fervently upholds principles of pluralism, diversity, dialogue, critique, tolerance, and respect for diverse ideas, beliefs, and values. The University is committed to academic excellence, offering students a critical and ethical perspective that cultivates their social and civic responsibilities. This perspective emphasizes a dedication to understanding Colombia’s challenges and seeking viable solutions.

The Alberto Lleras Camargo School of Government, a part of Universidad de los Andes, is driven by its mission to “cultivate individuals capable of leadership.” The School centers its efforts on enhancing the caliber of public policies and state governance. Within Uniandes, the School serves as a hub for the study of public affairs. It actively creates and curates platforms for discussing pressing national public issues, with a focus on presenting interdisciplinary and technical solutions to the myriad of social, economic, and political challenges confronting Colombia and Latin America at large. The School’s vision is to be a distinguished national and Latin American authority in the study of public policy and governance, gaining global recognition for the accomplishments and contributions of its graduates.