This discussion between Cristina Lafont and Hélène Landemore explores different facets of their work on citizens’ assemblies in democratic theory. As two leading figures in the field, this conversation begins with their distinct views and their implications for how these mechanisms should be governed. Lafont emphasizes citizens’ assemblies as vehicles for empowering the broader citizenry, favoring structures that enable bottom-up agenda setting and widespread public engagement. Landemore advocates for autonomous, self-governing citizens’ assemblies with potential legislative powers, highlighting the importance of procedural independence, clear governance structures, and moments of public ratification. The conversation touches on issues of representation, referendums, different structures of governance, and the risks of internal and external capture. In reflecting on the field and recent experiences, both agree on the need for a more ambitious democratic agenda.
Lafont et al. (2026) studied this question.