Inspired by the transition experiences of younger democracies in the world today as well as the vision of the life-long Romanian democracy campaigner Ion Ratiu (1917-2000), the mission of The Ratiu Center for Democracy is to promote democracy as a way of life by encouraging research, promoting learning, informing others and practically applying democratic values and behaviours locally, nationally and internationally, so that as many as possible may benefit.
This four-part approach ensures that the programs and activities of The Ratiu Center link practitioners, academics, citizens, students and volunteers as comprehensively as possible in the active, multi-disciplinary, non-partisan, non-denominational practice of the values and behaviours associated with democracy as a way of life in the 21st century.
Launched in July 2004, The Ratiu Center operates some 20 not-for-profit programs annually in Romania and abroad. With initial support provided by leading faculty members at Babes-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania (founded 1581) and the trustees of the Ratiu Family Foundation, London, United Kingdom (founded 1979), The Ratiu Center’s priorities today include partnering with like-minded institutions and colleagues worldwide, particularly in countries in transition to democracy.
