The EU and Australia share the common values, principles and norms that support liberal democratic order and governance and the rules based international order. Article 4 of the EU Australia Framework Agreement sets out a commitment to democratic principles, human rights and the rules based international order. While forms of the liberal democratic model had spread to every continent by the end of the twentieth century and the rules based international order has created conditions for stability, peace and security across the globe, challenges are occurring in member states of the European Union, as well as in third countries like Australia and elsewhere, where democracy is potentially at an inflection point. The policy framework of liberal political and economic rules, together with the notion of democracy as the inherent elements of the rules based international order, are increasingly under pressure from illiberal and authoritarian regimes. The increasing challenges to the liberal democratic model demand action to reaffirm those fundamental principles and values. These challenges not only impact public policy but security policy, human rights, and international conventions to which the EU and Australia are signatories.

The objectives of the project are, among others, to create awareness and knowledge about the different forms and characteristics of liberal democracies in EU member states and third countries; explore the challenges to liberal democracies and the rules based international order; and engage policy and decision makers, subject matter experts, academics and students about critical issues resulting in actionable policy recommendations.

This Project will provide a program of events which bring attention to progressive developments of liberal democracy and improve understanding of the governance and institutions of the EU in third countries such as Australia, and extending into the Indo-Pacific region where understanding is not as strong.

Contact: europe@anu.edu.au