Centre for the Study of Democracy
The Centre for the Study of Democracy undertakes research and teaching in democratic theory and practice.
Established in 1989, and the only centre of its kind in the UK, CSD has an international reputation for excellence in political and democratic theory, institutional analysis, international politics and democracy and Islam. Chantal Mouffe, John Keane and Bhikhu Parekh have been leading contributors, and staff, students and partner organisations are currently engaged in a range of research projects.
The Centre holds seminars, workshops and conferences, collaborates with other institutions in the organisation of international events, publishes the CSD Bulletin and hosts the annual CSD Encounter. Recent collaborations have included a series of events on The Future of Europe (together with Birkbeck College, School of Law) and a workshop on A Multipolar World Order (together with Open University and Newcastle University). The Centre is also a founding member of the Space of Democracy/Democracy of Space Network. CSD Encounters have taken place with Charles Taylor, Stuart Hall, Julia Kristeva, Bruno Latour, Quentin Skinner, Richard Rorty, Michael Walzer and Judith Butler. Recent visiting speakers have included Doreen Massey, Robin Blackburn, Onora O’Neill, David Owen, Douglas Hogg and Arundhati Roy.
By bringing theory, practice and people together, CSD seeks a dynamic and collaborative research culture, a student experience of engagement and a deeper democracy.
