How Leeds has changed the world
Defining democracy
Defining democracyProfessor Beetham has won international acclaim for helping to develop democracy
Emeritus Professor David Beetham, Faculty of Education, Social Sciences and Law
Professor David Beetham has achieved international acclaim for his influence in developing democracy.
Professor Beetham created his ground breaking 'democratic audit' assessment tool during a time when many countries were transitioning to democratic rule. His tool is based on the key principles of popular control of political processes and decision making.
Adopted by UNESCO, the 'democratic audit' meets an international need for expertise on democracy. The publication Introducing Democracy: 80 Questions and Answers (1995) has been translated into over 30 languages and is used in the political process and by citizen groups to embed democracy.
The Inter-Parliamentary Union have also invited Professor Beetham to lead a group of senior parliamentarians and academics, in developing criteria to help parliaments assess and renew their own democratic practice.