Democracy in Action Links: see a recent paper on Citizen Politics
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An initiative in the programme INTEGRAL STUDIES of
Psycho-Social and Medical Research, PSAMRA Berlin.
The initiative "Democracy in Action" was started in
early 1995. Some aims of the initiative are:
- in local, national and other governing
systems, to promote improved involvement of
people in decision-making and in steering
agreed policy
- to collect information about theories of
political behaviour, participation and
democracy
- to collect information about the practice of
democratic systems in different countries,
firstly some established western-style
democracies.
Until now (March 1996), from a base in Berlin, Federal
Republic of Germany, our main theatre has been the
Internet. We have posted a series of messages to
electronic discussion fora (forums) of current affairs,
political studies, political psychology and democracy
and to the consequently accumulated list of e-mail
correspondents. Some of these messages and many replies
to them may be found in the World Wide Web, in
"Michael's Room", which has been kindly built by John Gotze
into his exciting home page of futuristic town
planning and more.
The replies are worth ploughing through. They are of
mixed quality and seriousness. Some are funny. (Aside:
Does anyone know a theory of "sustainable laughter"?)
There is
- debate about democracy and how it may be
improved, with contributions from Europe,
Asia, and America
- doubts about the ability of a broader group
of citizens to act responsibly in taking
societal decisions; counter arguments
- bibliographical lists and tips
- contacts to many other initiatives which
e.g. aim to improve citizens' information
about government and their participation in
decision-making; working examples, proposals
and experiments in electronic-democracy.
We are seeking support to continue and expand this work
and for related projects. Further information may be
obtained from:
Dr. Michael Macpherson*,
Psycho-Social and Medical Research PSAMRA,
Derfflingerstrase 17,
10785 Berlin, Federal Republic of Germany.
tel.: +49 30 262 3768
e-mail: mjm@berlin.snafu.de
* Medical Doctor and Polemologist (researcher in
conflict and peace).
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