Research Centre for the Study of Parties and Democracy (REPRESENT), Nottingham

Description

The Research Centre for the Study of Parties and Democracy (REPRESENT) is a collaboration between the University of Birmingham and the University of Nottingham, under the direction of Dr Fernando Casal Bértoa, (University of Nottingham), Dr William Daniel (University of Nottingham) and Dr Tim Haughton (University of Birmingham).

Democracy is on the retreat in many parts of the globe. REPRESENT brings together an interdisciplinary network of scholars with an interest in collaborating on innovative research into key areas of challenge for political parties and the study of representative democracy. Our main areas of focus include declining political participation in established political parties, a rise in populism, and the effectiveness of democracy promotion. We work on an interdisciplinary basis, connecting development studies, political science, and area studies, and by bringing together leading experts on the politics of different regions (including Africa, the Middle East, Europe and Asia).

REPRESENT provides a ‘hub’ for knowledge exchange between academic researchers, policy-makers and practitioners. It aims to increase the accessibility of academic expertise on democratisation to policy-makers and practitioners, to support researchers seeking to produce policy-relevant research on political parties and democratisation, and to act as an ‘incubator’ for new collaborations between these groups.