The 2024 Embedded Scholars started their class this spring to prepare for their work with International IDEA on democracy assistance programs. In Summer 2024, UT students selected for the Embedded Scholars fellowship will work in International IDEA’s office in Latin America, supporting a range of democracy and electoral assistance programs.

The spring course on Research in Democratic and Constitutional Development aims to prepare the students for their work abroad. Led by Ashley Moran in the Government Department, the course covers various facets of democratization, constitutional design, and democracy assistance. It also provides training in research methods useful in studying democratic and constitutional development.

This spring, the students will work with Professor Moran and International IDEA on five research projects exploring pressing challenges and opportunities for democracies today. These include projects on disinformation in elections, democratic disaffection and backsliding, public participation as a counterweight to political power, civic and constitutional culture, and democratic resilience.

In Summer 2024, the students will then head to Latin America to continue their work with IDEA on site.