Democracy and Governance Studies

The Center for Democracy and Civil Society (CDACS) was established to expand and deepen theory, research and teaching on the relationship between democratic governance and civil society. Civil society encompasses those parts of society that are neither government nor business, including associations, non-governmental organizations, non-profit organizations, advocacy groups, citizen groups, social movements, as well as the cultures, norms, and social values that enable these social phenomena.

Through its programs, research activities, and publications, the Center integrates robust theoretical perspectives and rigorous empirical methods, combines domestic and international research and teaching agendas, and brings together scholars and students from diverse national backgrounds and academic disciplines.

 

One of the main current projects of CDACS is the Citizenship, Involvement, Democracy (CID) Survey, which will apply, and expand upon, an innovative European survey about civic engagement and social networks within the context of the United States.  CDACS also publishes the bi-annual Democracy and Society.  This publication is intended to be a venue for the exchange of ideas about crucial issues relating to democracy and civil society, and an outlet for contributions from faculty and students both at Georgetown and from other institutions.