Centre for Democratic Resilience (CeDR)

World-leading research and education to understand and promote the resilience of liberal democracy globally.

Democracy is under threat worldwide.

In 2023, global freedom declined for the 18th consecutive year in every part of the world and at every level of democratic performance. Even in its historic heartlands, in Europe and the United States, democracy is under attack from populist authoritarian politicians in increasingly polarised societies.

Responding to this challenge, the University of Oxford is establishing the Centre for Democratic Resilience with world-leading research and educational programmes to understand and promote the resilience of liberal democracy in Europe, the United States and beyond. Building on Oxford’s extensive cross-disciplinary research expertise, long history of leadership in education, and deep relationships with senior leaders in business and government, the Centre is uniquely positioned to achieve impact.

Our work

Falling Walls Science Summit 2024 - “Democracy under Attack”
(copyright © Falling Walls Foundation)

A panel of people sitting on a stage against a grey and pink background

Contact

Comms: Email comms@politics.ox.ac.uk

Rachel Kirwan, Head of Development, Social Sciences, University of Oxford Development Office
Email Rachel Kirwan. | Tel: +44 7515 187 385

Centre Lead, Professor Petra Schleiter, explains more about the challenge to democracy here

Tarik Abou-Chadi is Professor of European Politics at Oxford University and will lead the Societal Resilience Lab. He explains his motivation for working with the Centre

Dr Edward Brooks is the Director of the Programme for Global Leadership and Executive Director of the Oxford Character Project. He explains his role within the Centre.