V-Dem’s data is a mix of observable data (official statistics) and expert coded data. More than 4200 Country Experts have contributed to the V-Dem project over the years, providing detailed, local knowledge from qualified experts familiar with political developments in a given country via our online surveys.
Why we use Experts
We use experts because many key features of democracy are not directly observable. For example, it is easy to observe whether or not a legislature has the legal right to investigate an executive. However, assessing the extent to which the legislature actually does so requires evaluation by experts with extensive conceptual and case knowledge. This unique approach allows V-Dem to detect subtle changes to the institutional environments of countries from one year to the next.
Be part of the V-Dem Country Expert Network
Data collection is done once a year, in January. For the coming data collection cycle in January 2025, we would like a few more applications from experts on the following countries and subject areas/surveys:
- Barbados: Civil Society, Media, and Political Equality
- Republic of the Congo: Executive
- Estonia: Judiciary
- Guinea: Political Equality
- Iraq: Judiciary
- Kyrgyzstan: Judiciary
- Norway: Sovereignty
- Papua New Guinea: Civic and Academic Space
- Senegal: Civic and Academic Space
- South Africa: Judiciary
- South Sudan: Deliberation
- Sudan: Legislature
- Suriname: Media
- Tanzania: Digital Society, Judiciary, and Media
- Vanuatu: Legislature
- Zanzibar: Deliberation, Digital Society, Elections, Executive, Judiciary, Legislature, and Political Parties
Do you have expertise on any of the countries and subject areas above and want to be part of the coming data collection cycle in January 2025? Or do you know someone who does?
Applications are open until December 1st.
Read more about the V-Dem Methodology and Country Experts.
Please note that only successfull candidates will be contacted.
