CSHI Research Project “ASURED” Successfully Completed

Study Analyzing a Disctrict's Situation and Resources Provides Foundation for Promoting Local Democracy

The ASURED research project (“Analysis of the Situation and Resources for Combating Extremism and Promoting Democracy”) was recently completed. The study was conducted by the Center for Social & Health Innovation (CSHI) at MCI | The Entrepreneurial School® on behalf of the Partnership for Democracy (PfD) within the Garmisch-Partenkirchen District Youth Council.

The PfD serves as the local implementing body for the federal program “Demokratie leben!” in the Garmisch-Partenkirchen district and develops and supports projects and action plans aimed at strengthening democracy and diversity at the local level.

The goal of the now-completed study was to systematically assess the current state of democracy in the Garmisch-Partenkirchen district, including attitudes, barriers to participation, challenges posed by extremism and polarization, as well as existing resources and networks, n order to derive ideas for targeted local democracy promotion.

Methodological Approach

The qualitative survey combined three methodological components—street interviews, expert interviews, and streetworker events with young people—and was framed by two stakeholder workshops (kickoff and wrap-up). Thirty students from the MCI program Social, Health & Public Management were actively involved in the field phase and conducted over 140 interviews in the district. This provides the next generation of academics with a deeper understanding of the topic of democracy promotion, both theoretically and practically.

Key Findings of the Study

• The “Reach” Challenge: The district has numerous dedicated stakeholders and structures – yet their reach often remains limited.
• The Participation Paradox: Democratic opportunities exist, but they have little impact where visibility, accessibility, and feedback are lacking.
• Youth as a Key Target Group: For 14- to 27-year-olds, there are gaps in offerings, physical spaces, and digital access, as well as a lack of political voice for those who are not eligible to vote.
• Polarization and Right-Wing Extremism: Overall, the environment is moderate and democratically stable – yet experts identify organized right-wing extremist actors and tendencies toward normalization as challenges.
• Everyday life as a space for engagement: Housing, mobility, healthcare, and conflicts over tourism use shape a sense of belonging, trust, and local participation.

The study’s findings now provide the Partnership for Democracy and other local stakeholders with a solid, evidence-based foundation upon which future efforts to promote democracy in the district can be built. The study thus provides not only an assessment of the current situation but also concrete starting points for the strategic further development of local participatory and preventive efforts.