Democracies today operate under sustained pressure: war and geopolitical threat, economic insecurity, polarization, disinformation, and declining trust in institutions. Yet public commitment to democracy has not simply collapsed — in some contexts it has proven remarkably stable, and in others crisis has even renewed democratic attachment. What sustains democratic commitment when it is tested most severely? This panel examines the conditions under which democratic support endures, erodes, or is revitalized under pressure. We invite papers addressing the psychological foundations of democratic commitment, including values, identities, and emotions; the distinction between diffuse regime support and satisfaction with democratic performance, how each responds to crisis; and the effects of external threat and war on democratic attitudes, from rally effects to authoritarian temptations. Contributions on generational and life-course dynamics in democratic support are equally welcome, as are papers on the sources of democratic resilience at both individual and societal levels, including social trust, cohesion, and civic engagement. Survey-based, experimental, longitudinal, and mixed-method contributions from established democracies, newer democracies, and societies under acute stress are all of interest.
Democratic Commitment under Pressure: Stability and Renewal of Democratic Support
Type
Open Panel
Language
English
Discussants
Description
Onsite Presentation Language
Same as proposal language
Panel ID
PL-4065






