Democracy, Trust & Resilience Lab

Where trust is tested—and rebuilt.

The Democracy, Trust & Resilience Lab focuses on the health of democratic institutions, the dynamics of public trust, and the resilience of societies facing disruption, polarization, and uncertainty.

The programme examines governance, accountability, political culture, media ecosystems, public discourse, disinformation, societal resilience, and democratic participation. It combines research, perception analysis, and public engagement to better understand how trust is formed, challenged, and restored.

Its work seeks not only to identify vulnerabilities, but also to strengthen democratic institutions, social cohesion, and the capacity of societies to respond to emerging challenges while preserving democratic values.

Programme Lead
Prof. Nenad Markovikj, Ph.D.

External Voice
To Be Determined

Key Initiatives

Digital & Discourse Landscaping

Digital & Discourse Landscaping examines the evolving information environment and its implications for democracy, public trust, and governance.

Through research, monitoring, stakeholder engagement, and analytical assessments, the initiative explores public discourse, information ecosystems, emerging narratives, civic participation, and the broader factors shaping public perceptions and democratic resilience.

  • Coordinated or Well-Developed Approach towards and with the Macedonian Digital Landscape – Research Insight on Digital Landscaping

 

NEXUS MK

NEXUS MK is a resilience-building initiative that combines research, dialogue, education, and community engagement to strengthen democratic participation, civic resilience, media literacy, and informed public debate.

The initiative supports efforts to foster stronger connections between citizens and institutions while promoting informed participation, critical thinking, and democratic values among different segments of society.

  • NEXUS MK – Research Report on Democratic and Digital Resilience of North Macedonia

COVID-19 and Labour Relations in North Macedonia

This research initiative examined the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on labour relations, workers’ rights, workplace practices, and institutional responses.

Conducted within the framework of a broader project focused on labour legislation and productivity, the research contributed evidence and recommendations aimed at strengthening institutional preparedness, protecting labour standards, and improving resilience during periods of crisis and disruption.

  • COVID19 and the Labor Market – Research Report and Policy Study on the response to COVID19 and its impact on the Labor Market

We host public events and private briefings to make our findings as accessible as possible and to ensure the information we uncover reaches citizens and policymakers who need it most.

Projects

Publications

Podcasts

#DiplomaticRoux 002 with Ognen Janeski with Ivana Jordanovska, Vesna Poposka and Sabina Pachariz
#DiplomaticRoux 001 with Ognen Janeski and Ivana Jordanovska, Vesna Poposka and Sabina Pachariz
#IIO podcast 005 Image Observatory 2023 with Ivana Jordanovska
#IIO podcast 004 Main findings of Image Observatory 2023