Technocracy: causes and consequences

Technocracy is a growing phenomenon in contemporary politics, prompting growing academic interest. This panel aims to bring together cutting-edge research on technocracy, examining its causes, consequences, and the broader implications for democracy. We invite papers that explore the rise of technocratic governments, the challenge to representative democracy they pose, the evolving attitudes of citizens towards technocrats, and the consequences of technocracy on multiple democratic quality's dimensions. While recent studies have examined the factors underpinning the formation of technocratic governments and the citizens' perception of technocrats, significant gaps remain concerning, for instance, how technocracy affects core dimensions of democracy. There is limited knowledge about the impact of technocratic governance on electoral participation, democratic satisfaction, and political efficacy. Moreover, this panel seeks to address the relationship between technocracy and the challenges of contemporary European political systems, particularly in contexts characterized by polycrises and permacrises. As European democracies must deal with economic, environmental, and social crises, the role of technocrats in managing these crises may become more prominent. We encourage submissions that employ diverse methodological approaches, both qualitative and quantitative. Papers may focus on case studies, comparative analyses, or theoretical contributions.