Democracies are under unprecedented levels of internal and external pressures. The polarisation of political discourse, geopolitical tensions, public health and economic crises, and creeping foreign influence in democratic processes – all also fueled by mis- and disinformation – have tested citizens’ trust in public institutions and are driving many governments to strengthen and protect democratic values and processes.
Trust in public institutions underpins the 5 pillars of work that form the OECD Reinforcing Democracy Initiative:
- Pillar 1 - Combating mis- and disinformation
- Pillar 2 - Strengthening representation, participation and openness in public life
- Pillar 3 - Embracing the global responsibilities of governments and building resilience to foreign influence
- Pillar 4 - Gearing up government to deliver on climate and other environmental challenges
- Pillar 5 - Transforming public governance for digital democracy
