The Center on Democracy was established in late 2024 through the synergistic merger of the former research centers CISE, CESP, and ICEDD. 
The Center aims to be a center of excellence for the study of representative institutions, electoral processes, and the quality of democracy in its many forms, combining historical, legal, political science, sociological, and comparative approaches. Its mission is to gain a deep understanding of the dynamics of political representation and the transformations of contemporary democracies, while fostering dialogue with institutions, academia, and civil society.

The Center on Democracy’s research spans a broad range of topics: the study of parliaments and legislative assemblies at the national and European levels, with a particular focus on parliamentary law, legislative techniques, legislative procedures, and interparliamentary cooperation; empirical analysis of electoral behavior, party systems, electoral reforms, and public opinion; and historical and theoretical reflection on the origins, development, and crises of democracy, with a focus on democratization processes, forms of authoritarianism, and the quality of democratic governance.

The Center fosters a rigorous, international approach to research, fueled by an extensive network of collaborations with European and American universities and research centers, and supported by a consistent scientific presence in leading academic journals and publications.

The Center’s organizational structure includes thematic units, observatories, and laboratories, enabling the development of specific projects and fostering interdisciplinarity and methodological innovation. Special emphasis is placed on advanced education through university master’s programs, summer schools, specialization courses, and educational programs integrated into Luiss degree programs. Notable examples include the Master’s in Parliament and Public Policy, the Erasmus+ Joint Master’s in Parliamentary Procedures and Legislative Drafting, and courses preparing students for public competitions in the parliamentary field.

Alongside its scientific work, the Center on Democracy is deeply engaged in public outreach, contributing to the public debate through analysis, popular publications, media appearances, and educational initiatives for students, public decision-makers, and third-sector stakeholders. Its scientific output includes academic volumes, thematic dossiers, research articles, and contributions that are also available in open access. 

The Center thus serves as a key reference point for the study and critical understanding of contemporary political and institutional changes, bridging theoretical analysis, empirical research, and societal impact.

Permanent Observatories

• CISE - Italian Center for Electoral Studies
• CESP - Center for Parliamentary Studies
• Observatory on Democracy in the 21st Century
• IMAGINE - Observatory on Political Imaginaries and Democratic Contestation

Temporary Observatories

• LocGov LAB – Local Government Lab

Labs

• AXA LAB – Climate Change, Risk, and Justice