Article in the Journal of Political Education: ‘Shrinking Spaces’ in youth (organisation) work.

About this issue of *Civic Spaces*: Restrictions on civil society, growing pressure on civic engagement and targeted attacks on democratic actors are altering the conditions of the political public sphere. What does it mean when civic spaces come under pressure? What challenges does this pose for political education? This issue of the *Journal for Political Education* addresses these developments. Among other things, the articles analyse how to deal with anti-NGO discourses, examine changes in civil society’s scope for action, and explore how political education can respond to authoritarian shifts. The focus is on the question of how civil society, as a central building block of democratic infrastructure, can remain capable of acting under changing conditions.

The article ‘Shrinking Spaces in Youth (Association) Work. How young people’s democratic freedoms are coming under pressure” describes the threats and shifting boundaries caused by the resurgence of the far right, its ideology and its parties. These forces are targeting independent youth welfare organisations and bodies such as those involved in political youth education, which are also facing cuts and interference. In the current climate of threat, youth associations and federations are building up knowledge and expertise through alliances to empower those involved, helping them to maintain their confidence and capacity to act, and to advocate for young people’s freedom of action.

This and other articles can be viewed on the Journal’s website; a subscription is required. A free trial issue can be ordered via this link.