Spotlight on Democratic Erosion and Political Estrangement

This collection reflects JOSHA's editorial curation of democratic erosion and political estrangement in contemporary societies: Elite networks and accountability gaps: The recurring figure of the "dark connector" illustrates how informal power structures allow elites to circumvent institutional norms, exposing a persistent gap between public values and private conduct. Civic responsibility and political participation: Debates over a mandatory social year in Germany reflect broader anxieties about declining civic engagement and the need for renewed social cohesion among younger generations. Party estrangement and democratic legitimacy: The transformation of traditional German catch-all parties into state-dependent structures signals a deepening disconnect between political institutions and the citizens they represent, creating space for anti-system movements.