This course on democratic resilience provides an in-depth understanding of the concepts and theories of democracy, the challenges of democratization, and the factors that contribute to democratic erosion. In addition, it explores case studies from around the world to help learners gain practical knowledge and skills related to promoting and strengthening democratic resilience.
This 2/4 ECTS course could be offered in two modalities: on-line and in-class version. It contains a detailed syllabus covering the content, the main teaching techniques, and a list of background readings for the instructors on each of the topics. The mode of delivering the course will consist of lectures, seminars, group and individual student work. Student evaluation will be based on participation in seminars (1st part of the course), group work (2nd part) and developing an individual research project agreed with the instructor, and presented and discussed in class.
2.Reflection paper providing a brief report about the situation regarding curriculums on democratic resilience and democracy in general in Eastern Europe, Balkans and Central Asia.
This reflection paper consolidates the outcomes derived from curriculum mapping studies conducted across three distinct regions: Central Asia (part of the Former Soviet Union), Central and Eastern Europe (CEE), and the Western Balkans. Each study delves into the educational landscape of universities, specifically examining courses related to democracy, democratization, de-democratization, democratic decline, and democratic resilience. Through these investigations, the paper provides a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and discrepancies confronting institutions within these regions. In the exploration of each region, the curriculum mapping encompassed three categories of universities: well-established state universities, esteemed private institutions, and universities sponsored by regimes.
3.Curriculum mapping providing a chart with selected universities throughout Eastern Europe, the Balkans and Central Asia.
The chart contains details and comments on HE courses on democracy in respective countries of the said regions, especially those that have democracy, democratic theory or authoritarianism in the course’s title, aims or description. While there are no courses specifically named Democratic Resilience, the chart presents a comprehensive overview of the available cognate courses, as well as universities and lecturers who teach them and could present prospective AFA partners.
4.Annotated Bibliography on Democratic Resilience containing dozens of articles and books on Democratic resilience, autocratic resilience and autocracy.
In addition, a Chapter by A. Pavlovic and R Smilova, titled "Teaching Democratic Resilience: Reflections on Curriculum Mapping in Southeast & Eastern Europe will appear in Teaching Democratically in Higher Education, CEU Press 2026 (in Press)
Period: July 2023 - December 2023
Coordinators: Ruzha Smilova
Partners: Democracy Institute, Central European University