About

In recent years, there has been a growing integration of economics and political science in terms of methods and substantive interests in the nexus of democracy and development. This interaction offers significant opportunities for collaboration, and to make the most of it, it is essential to encourage scholarly exchange.

This is the primary goal of DDGS. We aim to provide a platform for interdisciplinary dialogue between scholars addressing the issues challenging democratic stability and development, with a particular focus on the Global South.

We invite contributions on theoretical and empirical work. Topics may cover but are not narrowly confined to democratic backsliding, democratization, governance, development aid, accountability, institutional change, political behavior, and the role of culture and religion. We also encourage submissions that explore the growing similarities in challenges faced by democracies in both the Global South and North.

Program & Format

The DDGS will host two keynote speeches by Axel Dreher from the University of Heidelberg and Alain Schläpfer from Stanford University.

The format reflects our appreciation for in-depth discussion with 6 panels, each consisting of 20-minute presentations, followed by 10 minutes of discussion by a dedicated discussant, and concluding with 10 minutes of open discussion for each paper.

Paper Submission

Deadline for submission: 15 October 2024

Decisions will be made by 1 November 2024

Please submit full paper drafts to: ddgsuzh2024@gmail.com

Costs & Funding

There is no conference fee and meals will be covered by the organizers.

Travel and accommodation expenses must be covered by the participants. The organizers will provide a list of recommended hotels with special prices.

Under special circumstances, organizers may provide travel assistance to scholars from the Global South.

Local Organizers

Marcela Ibañez, Philipp Kerler, and Daniel Chachu. Contact: ibanez@ipz.uzh.ch

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Cover image by Ben White