Citizens' Assemblies and Sustainability Transitions

In recent years, Democratic Innovations (DIs) such as Citizens’ Assemblies have been given considerable attention. Partly due to successful initiatives in Europe (e.g., Irish CA and Citizens’ Convention on Climate) and partly because of climate activists (e.g., Extinction Rebellion) who demand Citizens’ Assemblies to become the main way of steering climate action. This paper investigates the role and mission of these initiatives. Furthermore, it establishes the conceptual distinction between the notions of sustainability transitions and transformations, and then studies their theoretical and practical relationship with deliberative theory and practice. It then reviews the evidence suggesting that such tools are effective and practical. Additionally, the theories and practises that could potentially advance the transformative potential of CAs are discussed. Finally, Citizens’ Assemblies are considered from the perspectives of Extinction Rebellion and their (XR’s) nonviolent regenerative culture. Such inquiries show the theoretical transformative potential of democratic innovations. However, the evidence suggests that such potential is yet to be realised, as CAs show a tendency to fall short of their transformational promise. Since this work considers a recent case (Extinction Rebellion) and a new concept (Citizens’ Assemblies) it is still quite early to draw concrete conclusions, nevertheless the movement has made genuine attempts at being in accord with its transformative promise, both internally and externally.