Participation of public and civil society in political decisions is in great demand. Expectations are high, since participation shall not only enhance the democratic quality of decision processes, but also the substance of policy and its practicability.

However, many authors have pointed to several risks and trade-offs that Robert Dahl has called the "democratic dilemma” between effectiveness and public participation.

With our guest, Prof. Dr. Jens Newig, we discuss the potential that civil society participation actually has for the effectiveness of Governance.