This workshop addresses the contemporary challenges facing deliberative citizens’ assemblies. As these mechanisms face evolving social, political, and global dynamics, it is imperative for academics, public officials, and global civil society actors to critically assess and adapt. This workshop highlights the need for a comprehensive examination of these challenges and underlines the importance of formulating innovative perspectives to respond effectively. By offering an interdisciplinary perspective, using both theoretical and empirical evidence, and drawing on diverse expertise, this exploration seeks to contribute to the ongoing discourse on the enhancement and sustainability of deliberative citizens’ assemblies in the contemporary landscape.
Programme
INTRODUCTION
Aliénor Ballangé (Deakijn Fellow, St Antony’s College, Oxford; MFO)
What can we reasonably expect from citizens’ assemblies?
PANEL 1: THEORETICAL EXPLORATIONS
Charles Girard (Lyon University)
Democratic principles and mini-publics. How to assess the value of citizen assemblies?
Annabelle Lever (ScPo Paris)
Democratic elections and a new case for citizens’ assemblies
PANEL 2 EMPIRICAL PERSPECTIVES
Günter Tolkiehn (Veteran citizen of the COFOE 2021-2022, Hamburg)
A user’s view on citizen participation and deliberative democracy
Stuart White and Farsan Ghassim (DPIR, Oxford)
What can Citizens’ Assemblies add to democratic government?
Chair: Aliénor Ballangé (Deakin Visiting Fellow, St Antony’s College, Oxford)