The Program’s work on democratic governance focuses on questions of improving democratic quality and state capacity, the relationship between democratization and internal armed conflict, the resurgence of populism, and the protection of human rights. It also explores the impact of public policies to promote social cohesion and address the region’s persistently high inequalities. The Program’s current approach builds on three decades of prior work on democratic governance at the Wilson Center, including path-breaking studies of the breakdown of democratic regimes, transitions from authoritarianism, challenges to the consolidation of democratic rule, decentralization, and the fostering of citizenship and socio-economic inclusion.more less