Ukraine Democracy Initiative - Research Centre

UDI is an academic research initiative & dynamic global network of 150 associates across 16 countries actively researching and writing about the future of democracy in Ukraine.

Based at University of Sydney, Ukraine Democracy Initiative (UDI) is robustly non-partisan and grassroots initiative founded and managed by a group of experienced scholars and civic activists based in Australia, Ukraine and abroad. We stand for a broad and bold rethinking of democracy in Ukraine, understood not only as a form of government but as a way of life committed to greater equality and the public accountability of power. In the face of new and dangerous political trends in Ukraine, a young democracy located in the heart of Europe, is today confronted by grave challenges at home and abroad. We aim to bring new and fresh thinking to these challenges and support the survival and flourishing of democracy in Ukraine through promoting research-based analysis and independent assessment of democratic developments, giving voice to pro-democratic NGOs and showcasing their struggle for democracy in Ukraine, as well as contributing to the Ukrainian policy debate.

At the heart of the initiative is a dedicated global network of academics, field experts, civic activists, pro-democracy groups, policy-makers and citizens concerned with the future of democracy and who are equally committed to the 21st-century agenda of building vibrant democratic institutions and ways of life, in a particularly difficult period for Ukraine. Initiative focuses on developing the capacity of academics, pro-democracy NGOs and policy makers to collaboratively develop ideas, negotiate needs with the international policy community, and disseminate insights into what is required for addressing the systemic challenges faced by Ukrainian society. Responding to real hunger for a new ways forward and building on innovative thinking across the country and around the world, we are strongly committed to Ukraine as a globally significant testing ground of new political trends that may be preparing us for a world beyond democracy as we know it today.

By creating an open public web-platform, we offer a unique opportunity to move the political conversations forward. Our platform houses dynamic ideas and new activism to procure a powerful basis for change in Ukraine.

Ukraine Democracy Initiative, as a multi-layered initiative, also offers a wide network with several partnerships with universities and research institutes throughout Australia, Europe and the Asia Pacific. We also partner with pro-democracy NGOs and not-for-profits in Ukraine, helping them build awareness and influence around their priorities. In this way, we bring visibility to a civil sector that traditionally has have limited access to government decision-making and global audience.

For academics and researchers – UDI is a space that allows the sharing of path-breaking research, alongside providing opportunities for developing collaborations with policy makers, civic activists and general public.

For Ukrainian civic activists and pro-democracy NGOs – UDI offers international engagement that allows them to share their struggle for democracy in Ukraine, and showcase their inspiring achievements. It also provides the opportunity for finding associates and supporters. UDI also initiates, contributes and supports various pro-democratic initiatives aim at socio-economic growth in Ukraine.

For policy makers – UDI is a go-to platform for sourcing insightful academic research and field-based opinion pieces relevant to current activities of pro-democracy groups in Ukraine.

You can engage with us via email at team@ukrainedemocracy.org to join the initiative and contribute to our global network!