This essay argues that modern democracies are caught in a 'digital-democratic doom loop' in which declining trust in the state is increasingly misdirected at democratic institutions. It seeks to deepen understanding of how social media is contributing to the erosion of faith in democracy and points towards practical ways to safeguard a democratic future.

The sovereign citizen movement has grown beyond a nuisance and into an escalating national security challenge for many countries. This policy brief outlines the problem, what should be done, and the background landscape – including understanding the national security risks and harms. The brief outlines three policy recommendations to address the transnational dimensions of the...

An index focused on measuring the support and development of political leaders as key democratic infrastructure in 10 countries worldwide, including Australia. It offers an evidence-based starting point for analysing the presence, quality, nature and public perception of the leaders at the centre of democracies – a key element of democratic health that lacks consistent...

Policies and practices that advance belonging are key for building a successful multicultural democracy. This report presents key findings from a deliberative workshop designed to examine how multicultural Australians understand and experience belonging. The findings suggest several ways to strengthen a sense of belonging while underscoring its importance for social cohesion and democratic engagement.

The index is an annual measure of democratic health, tracking the effectiveness of governments over time. This inaugural report offers insights into how Australians view their democracy and provides recommendations to strengthen trust and guide the actions of governments, civil society and institutions seeking to improve the performance and legitimacy of Australia’s system of government.