Publications

Australia brings significant strengths to the challenge of sustainable governance. Many of these strengths derive from its political system, which has a deep grounding in democratic processes, as reflected by invariably free and fair elections and a robust commitment to the...

After a period of unprecedented turbulence in Austrian politics – including several major scandals and the creation of an all-technocrat government – Austria has more recently found its way back to the calmer waters of stable democratic party governance. However, the...

Belgium, a country of 30,689 km² located in northwestern Europe, is densely populated with 11.7 million inhabitants and is very open to the rest of the world. Belgium continuously works to make this openness its strongest asset.

The report provides an overview of Canada’s governance and policymaking systems across multiple dimensions, including democratic governmental practices and institutions, governance with foresight, and various aspects of economic, social, health, and environmental...

Developments during the review period have confirmed the successful establishment, development, and protection of basic democratic institutions. Procedures for selecting candidates and voting adhere to good international practices, and the government operates with reasonable...

Denmark’s democracy is robust and is characterized by a high level of political stability. Elections are conducted in an open and democratic manner, and anti-democratic movements remain fringe phenomena.

In many respects, Estonia has successfully established a sustainable democracy. Civil rights and the rule of law are strong, the plurality of opinion in politics and civil society is effective, and both national and household wealth are increasing over the long term.

A significant shift in sustainable governance occurred in Finland when Sanna Marin’s center-left government was replaced by Petteri Orpo’s right-wing government in June 2023. Marin’s government was known for placing a strong emphasis on ecological and social sustainability,...

France is an average country in Europe with respect to its sustainable governance performance. Despite the continuing rise of the extreme-right party National Rally and continuous debates about the leadership style of President Emmanuel Macron, democratic institutions are...

Germany’s political system is strengthened by robust and resilient democratic institutions. All public entities are effectively constrained by reliable checks and balances and adherence to the rule of law.