The Center for the Study of Democracy (CSD) at the University of California, Irvine sponsors research and education aimed at improving the democratic process in the United States and expanding democracy around the world. We believe that the democratic process is one of America's most precious natural resources. Democracy makes many of the remarkable achievements in American society and economy possible; the global spread of democracy can similarly contribute to personal freedom, individual well-being and increased international cooperation. In 2001 the CSD became UC Irvine's 14th major Organized Research Unit. The Center has a multi-disciplinary faculty from four UC campuses. See highlights HERE.