JUSTPOWER

The global transition from fossil-based to renewable energy must be grounded in democratic principles in order to avoid reinforcing or creating new forms of social injustice and inequality. At the same time, the level of democracy worldwide has fallen back to levels seen before the end of the Cold War. The energy transition, particularly in authoritarian countries but also in Sweden, often comes at the expense of vulnerable and marginalized groups. In the worst case, the energy transition could lead to declining political trust, increasing support for authoritarian parties, and contribute to a process of democratic backsliding.

The purpose of this research project is to understand and develop new tools to support a more just and democratic energy transition, based on the central question: How can democratic values be centered in the energy transition in a way that leads to a more inclusive and equitable societal development?

The question is also motivated by deep concern over the growing authoritarianism shaping global developments, while the urgency of the energy transition increases. The project is rooted in the social sciences and compares the energy transition in two countries with differing levels of democracy: Hungary and Sweden.

The goal is to understand how complex social, political, and environmental processes related to the energy transition interact with the (de)democratization of different societies. Particular emphasis is placed on understanding how democratic values can either emerge or erode when energy projects become intertwined with other interests, such as authoritarian exercise of power or the rights of Indigenous peoples.

The results will consist of a concrete evaluation of how the energy transition can undermine or promote inclusive democracy, and provide new insights into how the consequences of energy transitions can be managed in ways that strengthen democracies and political inclusion. The project can thereby offer important recommendations on how Sweden’s and the EU’s governance mechanisms, aid, and programs supporting the energy transition can simultaneously contribute to democratic development.