💊 How lobbying regulation can make democracy work better

Alberto Bitonti

Lobbying regulation is an area where political scientists can help strengthen democracy. We usually analyse the effects of existing regulations, and see why, where, and how they are implemented. But Alberto Bitonti argues we can do much more, helping regulators fix loopholes and understand what they really should aim for

March 17, 2023

💊 What student government can teach us about democracy

Justin Patrick

As student governments experience decline and collapse in the twenty-first century, their importance in contemporary political life should not be underestimated. They serve as valuable resources for political scientists looking to understand democracy at fundamental levels. Justin Patrick argues that we should take them seriously in research and practice

March 14, 2023

💊 Decidim: why digital tools for democracy need to be developed democratically

Adrian Smith

New digital platforms for citizens' initiatives, such as Decidim, are becoming more popular. Adrian Smith and Pedro Prieto Martín argue that while the technology may not be developed in a democratic way, such instruments can develop into tools for democracy in today’s digital societies

March 13, 2023

💊 Can political science save democracy?

Titus Alexander

Most political science is like anatomy, analysing the body politic without healing it. Titus Alexander argues that we can learn from health sciences and create a manifesto, like that of The Lancet, to prioritise improving lives and launch a global mission to strengthen democracy

November 21, 2024

One thousand words, one thousand times: The Loop publishes 1,000th blog piece

Kate Hawkins

One thousand words, one thousand times: four years ago, ECPR launched this path-breaking website. Managing Editor Kate Hawkins looks back on our achievements, and considers how far we've come

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