Topic 1: The Future of Democracy
Prospects of Freedom and Human-Centrism
This topic focuses on understanding and methods of safeguarding democracy as a driver of freedom and humanity, emphasizing the importance of a robust information society in the age of AI. It will identify early signs of authoritarianism, examine shifting power dynamics both locally and globally, and consider their impacts on institutions and individuals. The chapter also explores Weberian ethics of responsibility and questions whether global democracy-oriented multilateralism is possible. We are currently working on a new book titled “We Are Democracy: The Meaning of Agora in Modern Times,” which will be available at the NSM Library starting September 2026.
Content
von Anton Kühnelt-Leddihn
von Alexander Strupp
von Isabella Lazar
by Johannes Langer
by Ksenia Radchenkova
by Reinhard Heinisch
von Georg Lennkh
Autocracies often follow common patterns and behaviours based on the 3P - populism, polarisation, and post-truth (Anti-Autocratic handbook 2025). Subtle methods of restricting media freedom and the hollowing out of the state are also part of the autocratic repertoire. What is more, repressive leaders find themselves empowered by big autocratic players. That is why early targeted collective responses to repression, domestically and internationally, are more important than ever!
The Democracy Support Statement was developed with the help of OECD GOVNET members, international think tanks and colleagues from EU Team Europe Democracy. Many thanks to all!
Co-sponsored by:
Altenburger Carolina, Political Affairs Officer, UN MIK, Unted Nations
Bäckenberger David, International Management Graduate, ÖBH
Beer Anna, Law Graduate, NSM Blog Driver
Berndorfer Melanie, Member of AGGV
Bjelic Vucinic Ivana, Director, GFMD International Media Policy and Advisory Centre (IMPACT)
Diamond Larry, Professor at University of Stanford, William L. Clayton Senior Fellow, Hoover Institution Mosbacher Senior Fellow in Global Democracy
Dolezal Eugen, University of Graz, Ethics and Social Sciences Department
Drmota Michael, Professor at TU Wien
Eder Erwin, Managing Director Horizont3000
Edinger Harald, Secretary General of Austrian Society of Political Sciences
Fenkart Stephanie, Director at International Peace Institute
Fetcas Carla, University of Vienna Graduate, NSM series author
Folorunsho Moshood, Director, Educare Trus Nigeria, University of Ibadan
Gaugl Sophie, Tutor, NSM Blog Driver
Gelbmann Ulrike, Head of Global Studies Master, University of Graz
Giner Reichl Irene, European Forum Alpbach, Fordham University, NYC
Haesele Corinna, Founder Better linked
Harry Myo Lin, Peace & Rights Specialist, (form.) KAICID
Haslinger Birgit, Ass. Professor, Johannes Kepler University Linz, LSE
Heinisch Reinhard, Professor, Comparative Austrian Politics, University of Salzburg
Hilpold Peter, Professor, Public International Law, European and Comparative Public Law, University of Innsbruck and Pavia
Hintermayer Niklas, DGAP Fellow
Janisch Margarethe, Lawyer, Styrian Transport Association
Jean-Sébastien Conty, Directeur Adjoint, French Diplomacy
Kettemann Matthias, Professor, Innovation, Theory and Philosophy, University of Innsbruck
Kreutner Martin, International Counsel and Consultant, First Dean (emeritus) IACA
Lazar Isabella, Philosopher, University of Vienna
Melanie Bernhofer, Member of AGGV
Milosevic Mira, Executive Director at Global Forum for Media Development, University of Westminster
Okidi Christopher, Political Economist and Layer, Advocate of the High Court in Uganda, Kampala Analytica
Pelzer Anja, Lecturer, Conflict Prevention and Positive Psychology, Systemic Coach, certified Advisor, Trainer and Mediator
Philipp Röhr, Crisis Management, Federal Chancellery
Quint Brigitte, Chief of Office Militär Aktuell
Sandrisser Wilhelm, Founder of Empowering Democracy, former Head of Division, Austrian Federal Ministry of the Interior
Santner Friedarike, Independent Consultant
Schneidhofer Lena, filmmaker
Starlinger Thomas, Advisor of the Austrian Federal Minister of European and International Affairs
Stift Fritz, Ambassador, Austrian Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs
Stöger Michael, Center for Digital Teaching and Learning, University of Graz
Strupp Alexander, NSM author, Österreichische Akademie der Wissenschaften
Tanner Fred, Ambassador (ret.), CCDP, Graduate Institute Geneva
Terry Patrick C.R., Professor, Dean of the Faculty of Law, University of Public Administration Kehl, University of Kent
Tobias Lang, Director of Austrian Peace Castle Schlaining
Wachmann Nicolai, Student, University of Graz
Weiermann Johanna, Head of AI Education, Academy for AI and Digitalisation
Wilfan Gilbert, Constitutional Service, City of Graz/Styria
Wilson Patrick J., former Development Cooperation Counsellor for Democracy, U.S. Agency for International Development, U.S. Senior Foreign Service (retired)
Weiss Norman, Professor, MenschenRechtsZentrum, University of Potsdam
We are democracy! That's why we act.