Since the 2000s, the field of political science has witnessed a surge in protest movements advocating for enhanced political rights for citizens within established democracies worldwide. Notable examples include Taiwan's 2014 Sunflower Student Movement and France's Yellow Vests in 2018, both of which demanded democratic reforms. Similarly, in 2019, Chileans and Lebanese citizens took to the streets to call for constitutional changes and the removal of corrupt political classes, respectively. These movements, despite their diverse contexts, share a common goal: empowering citizens with greater control over democratic processes and public policy formulation. Direct democracy institutions have emerged as favored tools to achieve these objectives, with public support for direct democracy rising significantly since 2010, now exceeding 70% in OECD countries. However, questions remain about the motivations behind this growing appetite for direct democracy and its effects on public policies, political institutions, and citizens. While public debates often focus on the potential risks to fundamental rights and minorities, as well as the impact on political stability and trust, empirical studies have primarily concentrated on the experiences of Switzerland and the United States. Recent academic research is expanding this analysis to include a broader range of countries implementing direct democracy tools.

This research topic aims to explore the motivations behind the increasing demand for direct democracy and to assess its effects on public policy, political institutions, and citizens. Specifically, it seeks to address questions such as: What drives the growing support for direct democracy? How do direct democracy institutions impact public policies and political institutions? What are the implications for citizens' behavior and attitudes? By examining both direct and indirect effects, this research aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the role of direct democracy in contemporary political systems.

To gather further insights into the motivations and effects of direct democracy, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
- The historical evolution and contemporary forms of direct democracy.
- Comparative analyses of direct democracy practices across different countries.
- The impact of direct democracy on public policy outcomes and economic indicators.
- The influence of direct democracy on political institutions and governance structures.
- The effects of direct democracy on citizens' political behavior, attitudes, and trust in government.
- The role of direct democracy in promoting or hindering social and political stability.
- The potential risks and benefits of direct democracy for minority rights and fundamental freedoms.

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Frontiers in Political Science

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