Policy Brief 06/2026: Democracy needs a future

The importance of future expectations for the long-term viability of Germany’s democracy

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Format Type: PDF
Date of publication: 04/10/2026
Edition: 1. edition

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Description

Democracy is often judged by its ability to deliver in the present. This policy brief argues that this perspective is too narrow: people’s expectations for the future already shape how they view democracy today. Drawing on a representative survey, it examines how expectations about the future are linked to satisfaction with democracy and political orientation. The findings suggest that pessimism about the future is not only a concern for tomorrow, but already affects democratic attitudes and political preferences today.

The brief places these findings in their wider political context and discusses why future expectations, compelling visions of the future, and long-term political orientation matter for democracy. It concludes with recommendations for policymakers, political parties, and civil society.

Related projects

Youth for Tomorrow

In view of overlapping social, economic, and ecological challenges, policymakers in Germany are confronted with the task of combining short-term responses with strategic orientation and foresight. This often seems to be at the expense of long-term solutions and interests. Added to this is demographic change, which contributes to greater consideration being given to the needs of older people due to structural factors.

With our project, we want to strengthen the relevance of future justice in political and public discourse. To this end, we are creating empirical foundations and strengthening the discourse on the future: socially, politically, but also locally. We work together with young people, draw on their expertise, and promote intergenerational dialogue.