The Future
A necessary systemic reform.
A desirable path towards the expansion and institutionalization of deliberative processes, from the local to the global scale.
The Present
A democratic model in crisis .
Polarization and tension, disinformation and manipulation, lack of consensus and constructive debate.
Emergence of highly complex issues that require major agreements: housing, working conditions, polarization of rural and urban areas, climate urgency, digital regularization, AI, poverty and inequality…
The Past
2010-2023
State and local Citizens’ Assemblies or Conventions are spreading strongly throughout Europe and the rest of the world. Institutions such as the UN, the OECD, the Council of Europe and the European Commission promote them.
The 2000s
The idea of the Citizens’ Assembly, which is usually held at the state or regional level, is established, based on experiences in Canada and Ireland. Research on deliberative democracy advances and the theoretical and practical fields grow exponentially in tandem.
The 80’s and 90’s
The term Deliberative Democracy is coined (Joseph Bessette), and the field of deliberative political theory is developed. Other formats based on civic lottery and deliberation emerge in the United States and Denmark: deliberative polls, consensus conferences.
The 70s of the 20th century
The concept of the mini-public (Robert Dahl) is defined. The deliberative mini-public format is invented in Germany and the United States at the same time.
XIX and XX Century
The concept of citizenship is progressively broadened: women, people of diverse ethnic groups, migrants, etc.
The Middle Ages and the Renaissance
The drawing of lots was used in the small Italian republics and in the Crown of Aragon to avoid clan struggles and to promote alternation of power.
Ancient Athens
First documented case of democratic lottery in a state. The democratic quality of the polis is intimately related to its flourishing, resilience and capacity for social innovation.
Prehistory: universality of deliberation
Hunter-gatherer societies around the world have been documented and studied based on principles of equality, dialogue and the search for consensual agreements.