Civic Education, Environmental Action, and Democratic Values: A Study of Young People’s Engagement in Slovakia

Radicalization among youth represents a major challenge for contemporary democracies. The rise of the far right, growing tolerance for nativist, protectionist, or exclusionary policies, and the rapid spread of misinformation raise questions about effective and sustainable counter-extremist and counter-populist strategies. Research indicates that civic education fostering democratic engagement and active participation is a key component of efforts to counter extremist and anti-establishment politics. This approach underpins prevention strategies developed by international institutions such as the Council of Europe. This paper explores the link between democratic participation and resilience against extremism, with particular attention to the availability and accessibility of such opportunities for young people. Using a case study of high school students in Slovakia, it explores how youth perceive and experience opportunities for active democratic participation at various levels (family, community, local) and investigates how they understand the connection between civic engagement and reinforcement of democratic values. The study employs a mixed-methods design and a purposive sample of students active in extracurricular civic initiatives, with particular attention to environmental and ecological topics, which provide tangible opportunities for small-scale civic action.