Why this research?
National governments have transferred extensive powers to supranational organizations, such as the European Union (EU). This has created pressure among national officials to satisfy international stakeholders. This can be to the detriment of the attention paid to the wishes of citizens.
The relationship between supranational and national interests
To what extent do supranational institutions limit the powers of national ministers to take citizens' wishes seriously? Do governments take those wishes into account when implementing supranational policy? And do international organizations conform to the core aspects of democratic accountability and legitimacy?
Purpose of the research
What is the impact of supranational organizations on the functioning of contemporary democracies? With our research we want to gain and give insight into this.
Two research objectives
We focus on 2 specific research objectives:
1. Better understanding of the complex interactions between international, national, and local institutions in formulating and implementing public policies.
2. Better understanding of the consequences of these interactions for legitimacy and democracy.
Dr. Asya Zhelyazkova
“In an increasingly globalizing world, supranational organizations must be able to justify themselves just like national politics.”
- ETH Zurich
- Ss. Cyril and Methodious University, Skopje
- Leiden University
- Nijmegen University
- Exeter University