The research project aims to assess the feasibility and added value of developing a Nordic Democracy Index that reflects the specific characteristics, strengths, pressures, and future risks facing Nordic democracies. The project will combine a literature review, expert interviews, and a systematic review of existing democracy indices to identify gaps and assess options for improved Nordic level monitoring. Findings will be synthesised into concrete recommendations and discussed with Nordic experts and partners.
Existing indices offer broad international comparisons, but may overlook region specific dynamics such as declining political party membership, increasing polarisation, digital misinformation, lower institutional trust, democratic disengagement among young people, and growing rural urban divides. The lack of a shared Nordic framework makes it difficult to track developments systematically, identify vulnerabilities, and compare trends across countries and governance levels. New pressures linked to climate change, geopolitics, pandemics, foreign interference, and artificial intelligence further challenge democratic governance. So this research addresses limitations in how democratic development in the Nordic Region is currently monitored.
The project will:
- deliver a consolidated knowledge overview of democratic strengths, vulnerabilities, and emerging pressures across the Nordic Region.
- provide a clear mapping of how existing global and national democracy indices capture Nordic democracies and where important dimensions are missing, particularly at regional and municipal levels.
- assess the feasibility of a Nordic Democracy Index and present concrete recommendations for improved Nordic cooperation on democracy monitoring.
Outputs will include a background report, a policy brief, and a Nordic expert workshop. Together, these results will support policymakers, researchers, and civil society.
Nordregio is the sole partner in this project and is responsible for all activities, including research, analysis, expert interviews, the review of democracy indices, organising the Nordic workshop, and producing all outputs, ensuring management, quality, and communication throughout.
