Democracy is a hot topic of discussion – in the news, in public debate and around the kitchen table. But what does the research say? How do we actually measure the strength of democracy and the extent of polarisation? How can we know whether it is decreasing or increasing? How clear-cut are the trends, and how does democracy in Finland compare with other parts of the world? To what extent do we see polarisation within Finland? Welcome to an open seminar where three researchers – Professors Kimmo Grönlund and Kim Strandberg from Åbo Akademi University and Åsa von Schoultz from the University of Helsinki – will share the latest research on the development of democracy and social polarisation. Together, they will talk about current trends and discuss the state of democracy. The seminar is part of the Finland-Swedish Research School’s two-day visit to Åland. It is hosted by the Åland Peace Institute in collaboration with the Åland University of Applied Sciences and the Government of Åland. The visit has received support from the Swedish Literature Society in Finland. The Finland-Swedish Research School is a network for doctoral students in political science at Swedish-language educational institutions in Finland. The research school’s

The theme day “Självstyrelse – från insidan och utsidan”, organized in collaboration between the Åland Islands Peace Institute and the Åland University of Applied Sciences, offered a rich exchange of ideas, reflections, and perspectives. We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who participated – speakers, moderators, guests on site, and those who joined us online. If you missed the live broadcast or wish to revisit any part of the event, the full recording is available here.