Effective democratic leaders focus on what people need to be free, secure, and involved.

IRI shares its expertise in democratic governance development—born of more than 30 years of advancing democracy worldwide—to make sure good governance exists and thrives. Each country’s path to democratic development is unique; all democracies must be sustainable, and can be when people and their issues are priorities.

Citizen Security

When all citizens feel safe in their neighborhoods, people don’t abandon their homes, and the whole community has a better chance to thrive. IRI helps create stable communities, which can mitigate uncontrolled migration. When we connect residents with municipal authorities and police, we encourage an integrated approach to law enforcement in which stakeholders share responsibilities for community safety.

IRI has bolstered collaboration on citizen security throughout the Northern Triangle. In El Salvador, we created online portals for reporting crimes and requesting repairs to safety-related infrastructure such as streetlights. Read more about our approach to violence and crime prevention here.

Countering Violent Extremism

Weak and unresponsive government institutions increase the opportunities for extremists to prey on youth and others in vulnerable communities. IRI counters by helping local governments to be more efficient, responsive, and inclusive in places like Indonesia, Kosovo, Tanzania, and Tunisia. Our three-step process of understand, inform, and equip engages decision makers and those most at risk in the democratic process. This allows them to channel their desire for change into constructive political and civic involvement.

Fighting Corruption

Corruption undermines citizens’ confidence in their government and democracy, especially in newly transitioning countries. Service delivery, public financial management, and infrastructure development involve frequent government-citizen interaction. These areas are also especially ripe for corruption.