Habits of Democracy: Civic Culture and Civic Education in the Western Balkans

American philosopher and educational reformer John Dewey wrote that “democracy has to be born anew every generation, and education is its midwife.” This insight is vital in the Western Balkans today, where young people are increasingly turning frustration with corruption, inequality, and weak institutions into civic activism. From protests to broader calls for accountability across the region, youth-led mobilization has shown that democratic culture cannot rely on institutions alone—it also depends on citizens willing and able to engage. At the same time, the protests reveal a deeper challenge. Civic dissatisfaction can spark collective action, but long-term impact is limited unless embedded in a broader democratic culture that nurtures participation, critical thinking, and trust in institutions. Formal civic education plays a role, but political culture is equally shaped by everyday experiences of citizenship, opportunities for activism, and inclusiveness in public life. In Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, and Serbia, persistent gaps between civic education and civic practice highlight the need to think beyond curriculum and teaching reforms and foster a culture of active citizenship.

Can civic education bridge the gap between democratic ideals and lived political practice, or must deeper cultural change come first? What roles do state institutions, educators, and civil society play in cultivating democratic engagement? How can young people sustain their role as agents of democratic transformation in societies marked by polarization and weak trust in institutions?

With an eye on the experiences of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, and Serbia, the panel will reflect on how democratic participation is taught, practiced, and lived in the Western Balkans. Drawing on youth activism, civil society initiatives, and educational frameworks, the conversation will examine how civic knowledge translates—or fails to translate—into civic action. The discussion will also highlight practical strategies for empowering young people as protesters and long-term participants in democracy.

To register for the event, please click on the button above. Details for access will be sent to registrants. For more information, contact Zsuzsanna Végh at [email protected].

The event takes place in the framework of GMF's ReThink.CEE Fellowship program.