Israel Democracy Institute (IDI)
The Israel Democracy Institute (IDI) is an independent, nonpartisan research and policy institute founded in 1991. It is the primary academic body studying Israeli democratic governance, producing rigorous empirical research on institutional design, electoral systems, rule of law, and civic participation.
IDI publishes an annual Israeli Democracy Index tracking public trust in democratic institutions, satisfaction with governance, and support for democratic norms — one of the longest-running longitudinal studies of democratic attitudes in any country. Its policy programs cover electoral reform (including semi-open ballot systems and proportionality), parliamentary oversight of the executive, civil service independence, judicial-executive relations, and anti-corruption mechanisms.
IDI engaged directly with the 2023 judicial reform crisis in Israel — a legislative push that would have significantly curtailed Supreme Court oversight of government action. IDI's researchers provided analysis, testified before the Knesset, and published position papers on the constitutional implications, operating as an independent expert voice in a politically polarised debate.
Work areas
- Israeli Democracy Index — annual survey tracking democratic attitudes and institutional trust
- Electoral reform — research on voting system design, ballot structure, representation
- Parliamentary governance — oversight mechanisms, Knesset accountability structures
- Judicial independence — constitutional balance between branches
- Civil service and anti-corruption — public sector accountability design
Links
- Website: en.idi.org.il