What does democracy look like between elections?
In this lecture, Prof. Dr. Brigitte Geißel examines how well-designed citizen participation can make public decisions fairer, more informed, and more widely trusted.
Drawing on research and real cases, the talk reviews practical formats such as citizens’ assemblies (by lot), participatory budgeting, future workshops, and digital platforms. It sets out what makes these processes effective: inclusive recruitment, clear and balanced background information, independent facilitation, sufficient time for deliberation, and—crucially—a binding connection to councils and administrations so results do not remain unimplemented.
The lecture also addresses typical pitfalls: barriers to access, misinformation and polarization, participation fatigue, and symbolic processes without impact. It outlines straightforward remedies—targeted outreach and accessibility measures, fact-checking routines, transparent follow-up, and formal anchoring within existing institutions.
If you want a clear, evidence-based overview of how communities can turn participation into implementable decisions, this talk provides a solid orientation and practical starting points.
Watch the lecture to see where to begin, what to avoid, and how democratic innovation can complement representative politics in a serious and workable way.