The Newer, the Better? Comparing Traditional and Innovative Participatory Formats

Abstract

The generalized use of the concept “democratic innovations” suggests that a set of entirely new institutional designs may offer enhanced opportunities for participation and deliberation. However, participatory institutions existed previously and have been operating for decades. Long before the concept “democratic innovations” there was local consultation councils in many European and Latin American countries or national referendums and initiatives, or assembly-based models of governance in local communities. The main goal of this Panel is to discuss whether there is indeed two generations of participatory institutions, and compare the different institutional designs that belong to each of them.