DemocracyNext
DemocracyNext (demnext.org) is a research institute whose position is that sortition should replace elections as the central mechanism of democratic governance — not merely complement them. This distinguishes it from organisations that treat citizens' assemblies as an add-on to existing representative systems.
The institute publishes research, convenes practitioners and theorists, and develops the intellectual case for sortition-based democracy — drawing on ancient Athenian practice, modern complexity theory, and the accumulated evidence from contemporary citizens' assemblies. It engages with both the theoretical questions (legitimacy, representation, deliberation quality) and the design questions (how to build stable institutions around random selection).
DemocracyNext is a useful reference for understanding the strongest case for sortition as a primary governance mechanism, as distinct from its use as a supplementary or advisory tool.
Key people
- Claudia Chwalisz — founder. Previously led the OECD's work on innovative citizen participation, building the international evidence base for deliberative processes in public governance before founding DemocracyNext in 2022 to develop the full institutional case for sortition-based democracy.1
Links
- Website: demnext.org
See also
History
-
2022-09-15
DemocracyNext launched on the International Day of Democracy
Sourcing: High
Join the official launch of DemocracyNext on 15 September 2022, the International Day of Democracy.
The European Commission's CC-DEMOS community of practice promoted DemocracyNext's official launch on International Democracy Day 2022, with founder and CEO Claudia Chwalisz presenting the institute's early plans alongside an advisory panel including Hélène Landemore, David Van Reybrouck and Art O'Leary.
↗ View source -
2025-09-15
Published the 2024 Impact Report on the institute's third anniversary
Sourcing: High
As we mark DemNext’s third birthday, and the International Day of Democracy, we’re thrilled to share our 2024 Impact Report.
DemocracyNext marked its third anniversary on 15 September 2025 by publishing its 2024 Impact Report, covering stories from three flagship projects, the institute's evolving approach and a transparent look at its finances.
↗ View source