Research Themes - Democracy, Governance & Justice

Democracy, Governance & Justice

This research theme examines how institutions and governance frameworks shape ethical social life in contemporary societies. It explores how democratic and legal arrangements influence public reasoning, decision-making, and everyday experiences of justice, particularly where values, rights, and responsibilities are contested. The research deepens understanding of how societies organise authority, manage disagreement, and sustain legitimate governance.

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Rights to Unite

Led by Professor Dagmar Schiek at the UCD Sutherland School of Law, the Rights to Unite project examines how EU-derived rights shape social integration across local, national and European contexts. Through comparative research in eight countries, it explores how people use these rights in everyday life and their impact on social cohesion.

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Beyond Opposition

Led by Professor Kath Browne at UCD School of Geography, this research project explores the experiences of individuals in Ireland, the UK and Canada who are concerned about or opposed to legislative, political, or social changes related to sexualities, gender, and abortion in the 21st century.

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BMoral: New Histories of British Moral Philosophy in the Eighteenth Century

Led by Professor Ruth Boeker of the UCD School of Philosophy, BMoral examines the overlooked contributions of women to eighteenth-century British moral philosophy. The project explores how women engaged with key moral ideas and participated in the intellectual networks of their time.

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Democracy Challenged

Led by Professor Aidan Regan of the UCD School of Politics and International Relations, Democracy Challenged examines how corporate tax avoidance fuels inequality and undermines democratic institutions.

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The Foundations of Institutional AuThority

Led by Professor Eoin Carolan at the UCD Sutherland School of Law, this project explores a core constitutional question: why people obey institutions. Using six case studies, it examines how institutional authority is established, maintained or breaks down, and what this means for constitutional law and the separation of powers.

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RefLex: Is International Refugee Law Effective?

Led by Professor Cathryn Costello at the UCD Sutherland School of Law, RefLex is a global study examining how International Refugee Law operates in practice across different legal systems. The project develops a Refugee Protection Index to assess when and how refugee law delivers meaningful protection worldwide.