This cluster examines the links between democracy and political participation, emphasizing the impact of transnational phenomena on these dynamics. It explores the collective action strategies of social movements, civil society actors, and political parties at the transnational level and in diverse geographical contexts, from Latin America to Eastern Europe, from South Asia to the Middle East, from the EU to North America. Key areas of focus include the impact of global events on political behavior, the transnational diffusion of protest and other forms of political participation, and how social movements with different ideological orientations use transnational strategies to effect social change. The cluster aims to identify best practices for strengthening democratic institutions and increasing political participation.