Research

International Forum for Democratic Studies

The International Forum for Democratic Studies was established as a division within the Endowment in April 1994. Since then the Forum has emerged as a leading center for analyzing and discussing the theory and practice of democratic development. It also serves as a clearinghouse for information on groups and institutions working to achieve and maintain democracy around the world. 

The Forum's activities involve and benefit scholars, policy makers, and activists representing diverse experiences and views. As part of its core mission, the Forum has initiated several interrelated programs:

Network of Democracy Research Institutes - a global association of think tanks that study democracy and democracy-related issues ::VISIT

Research and Conferences - through a combination of international conferences and meetings, analyzes the practical and theoretical aspects of democracy and democratization. :: MORE

Democracy Resource Center - a library that facilitates democracy research through the developing of Internet research aides, online databases, and maintains a large collection of materials on democracy. :: MORE

Journal of Democracy - a quarterly magazine and book series. :: VISIT

Journal of Democracy en Español - in collaboration with the Instituto de Ciencia Política in Santiago, Chile, an annual Spanish-language issue of the Journal of Democracy that features translated and commissioned articles on democracy. :: VISIT

Fellowship Programs - a program that enables democracy activists, scholars, and journalists from around the world to spend time in residence at the Forum. :: MORE

The Forum is directed by Marc F. Plattner, who also coedits the Journal of Democracy with Larry Diamond. The Forum's programs benefit from the advice and involvement of a Research Council consisting of scholars and specialists on democracy from around the world.

Never before has understanding what helps or hinders the advancement of democracy been more critical for international peace, political stability, and human progress.

Contact the International Forum for Democratic Studies:
(202) 378-9900 / Fax (202) 378-9880
forum@ned.org