The Centre for the Study of Democratic Institutions (CSDI) is part of the School of Public Policy and Global Affairs. CSDI aims to advance interdisciplinary, publicly-engaged research, teaching, and dissemination of knowledge about innovation in democratic practice and institutions at the local, national, and international level.
Our Research
Featured Publications
Canadian Policy Responses to Artificial Intelligence–Generated Threats to Democratic Elections
Authors: Chris Tenove, Spencer McKay, and Heidi Tworek Generative artificial intelligence (AI) is widely seen as a potential threat to election…
How Universities Can Better Address Online Harassment - Policy Brief
Online harassment of researchers and faculty members is increasingly common, and can seriously impact the psychological health and productivity of…
Municipal Matters: Building Capacity for Local Climate Conversations
This report examines the challenges of communication around local climate action—especially when policies face the spread of false information.
Harmful Hallucinations: Generative AI and Elections
This report reveals how technology threatens democratic processes like elections by enabling deception, polluting the information environment, and intensifying harassment.
