Division Promotion of Democracy

Democracy is not a matter of course. Democracy must be achieved, filled with life and renewed. All over the world, people are campaigning for democracy, for political, economic and cultural rights, for a democratically organized community. Supporting democracy and democratic engagement worldwide is one of the core concerns of the international work of the Heinrich Böll Foundation. The triad of human rights, democracy and sustainability is at the center of our work. Together with our partners, we try to expand the scope for social participation and political emancipation, and to support civil society participation.

Recent articles

Video "Hope on the horizon". Singing black woman.

Hope on the Horizon

Music video
The ‘Hope on the Horizon’ music video depicts the Africa that the young artists would like to see: A strong, united, prosperous Africa. The ‘artivists’ (artists + activists) creatively remind us of things that are holding back Africa’s economic take-off and the elements on which it must rely for its sustainable development. The music video is composed by ACAN (African Creative Action Network) in collaboration with Africans Rising.
By African Creative Action Network (ACAN)
Group of Young Kenyan Artists

A sad state of affairs for young politically minded artists in Kenya

Commentary
Art can be a disruptive form of expression and a powerful tool to shift existing political and social realities. However, in Kenya, the creative industry is often corrupt, and the government ignores many young artists, especially those who speak up for democracy and human rights. The Kenyan psychologist and human rights defender Salima Macharia shares some insights gained through her daily work with young artivists (artist + activist) from informal settlements in Nairobi.
By Salima Macharia
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Main Topics

Dossier: Squeezed – Spaces for Civil Society

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Publications

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Misinformation, Disinformation, Malinformation

E-Paper
Disinformation, misinformation, and malinformation pollute the information space worldwide and the trend of manipulating facts continues to disrupt public communication and, consequently, democratic processes in societies. The aim of this paper is to investigate the phenomena of misinformation, disinformation, and malinformation, as well as their impact on the political sphere. In addition, the paper attempts to explain the harmful influence of misinformation, disinformation, and malinformation on public debates, democratic processes, and civil society engagement.
By and
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Cover Companion to Democracy #2

Populism, Nationalism and Illiberalism

E-Paper
A decline in democratic quality can be observed worldwide. The terms populism, nationalism, illiberalism, and authoritarianism are omnipresent in attempts to explain and describe this development. The e-paper examines overlaps, differences and their relationship to one another, highlights global and regional trends of autocratization and highlights the consequences of this development for civil society in the affected countries.
By and
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Tricky Business: Space for Civil Society in Natural Resource Struggles

study
Governments and corporations are driving the demand for water, land and organic resources. Previously intact ecosystems are being sacrificed, thousands of people are losing their livelihoods. This study provides insights on how we can better address and monitor resource and environmental policy projects.
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Supporting civil society under pressure – lessons from natural resource exploitation

Civil society is under pressure worldwide. This e-paper focuses on dynamics and patterns of shrinking spaces and repressions on civil society with regard to natural resource struggles and takes a closer look into consultation processes and the role of the economy.
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Prevention and peacebuilding in the context of shrinking space

Civil society acitivists and organisations are under a lot of pressure in many countries. But whether civil society can develop its potential for peace and development and shape its political participation is closely linked to the framework conditions for civil society action. The FriEnt briefing "Prevention and Peacebuilding in Times of Shrinking Space" explains the growing challenges for peace promoters in times of shrinking space.
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