The overlooked challenges of individual and group dynamics in citizens’ assemblies

This paper examines the emerging trend of citizens’ assemblies in Scandinavian countries through the lens of systems psychodynamics. While citizens’ assemblies are often celebrated as democratic innovations capable of addressing complex societal challenges, this paper argues that their effectiveness is significantly influenced by individual and group dynamics. Drawing on a case study of a Dutch national citizens’ assembly, the paper identifies key psychological challenges – such as anxiety, dependency, group regression and emotional containment – that can hinder task performance. The findings suggest that traditional political science perspectives are insufficient to fully understand the outcomes of citizens’ assemblies. Instead, a systems psychodynamic approach reveals how dynamics, shaped by internal group processes and external systemic pressures, impact democratic potential. The paper concludes that addressing and working with these dynamics is essential for realizing the full potential of citizens’ assemblies as a democratic innovation – and of innovative collaborative formats in the public sector.