In this NECE Campus Training, Dr. Seema Shah and Atsuko Hirakawa of International IDEA presented the “Democracy Tracker” (a monthly-updated qualitative dataset monitoring democracy and human rights-related developments in 173 countries) and the “Global State of Democracy (GSoD) Indices” (an annually updated quantitative dataset measuring the quality of democracy in 173 countries). The session delved into what these tools reveal about global participation trends and explored their potential as instruments for civic educators to assess and promote democracy.

The International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA) is an intergovernmental organisation that supports democracy worldwide. International IDEA actively encourages citizen engagement by focusing on democracy assessment and key thematic areas such as electoral processes and political participation. Through the development of publications (e.g., citizens, women, youth participation) and tools (voter turnout and youth democracy), the organisation provides valuable resources for civic educators.

International IDEA’s Global State of Democracy (GSoD) Initiative was established in 2016. It has various workstreams, including regional partnership networks, and research and advocacy related to Sustainable Development Goal 16. The Democracy Tracker, the Global State of Democracy (GSoD) Indices, and the Global State of Democracy (GSoD) Reports are the initiative’s main knowledge products:

The Global State of Democracy Indices (GSoD Indices), an annual quantitative dataset, offers a comprehensive assessment of democratic trends, spanning the country, regional, and global levels, and encompassing a diverse array of indicators that evaluate democratic performance from 1975 to 2022. Unlike a singular index, these indices do not distil democracy into a single measure but instead provide a nuanced examination of democratic dynamics. Covering 174 countries worldwide, the GSoD Indices draw upon 157 individual indicators curated by scholars and organisations, offering a detailed and multifaceted perspective on the state of democracy.

The Democracy Tracker, on the other hand, is a qualitative dataset updated monthly that tracks the most significant democratic and human rights advancements in 173 countries. The Democracy Tracker is exceptional for making democracy understandable and relevant. It ensures continuous engagement and awareness by providing ongoing updates, fostering a well-informed understanding of the evolving democratic landscape.

The dynamic insights provided by the Democracy Tracker showcased in the training, underscore its value not only in tracking country-based events in 173 countries but also in its potential to enrich civic education curricula. Its real-time, detailed reports on specific events and their impact on democracy offer a nuanced understanding, making it a valuable asset for educators aiming to instil democratic values.

The session featured a live demonstration of the Democracy Tracker and delved into a country case, showcasing how International IDEA’s tools can be applied for civic education, assessment, and promotion of democracy.

The training concluded with real-life examples of how analyses based on GSoD data have been utilised by diverse stakeholders globally. The presenters encouraged participants to explore additional resources from the Global State of Democracy Initiative, including the recently launched edition of The Global State of Democracy 2023 Report.

• Read The Global State of Democracy Report here, and International IDEA’s “In Focus” and “Outlook” reports, as well as the organisation’s blogs here.

Download the Democracy Tracker flyer here.

Watch our introductory video for a quick overview of the Democracy Tracker, subscribe to our newsletter to get bite sized, digestible democracy updates straight to your inbox every month, and contact us to request tailored presentations and trainings, or to send your questions and feedback.