Social Contract Research Centre
Geneva
EN | FR

Rules shape society. Society shapes rules. We study how this works—and how to make it work better.

"The social contract establishes among the citizens an equality of such a kind, that they all bind themselves to observe the same conditions and should therefore all enjoy the same rights."
Jean-Jacques Rousseau, The Social Contract (1762)
Why Rule Quality Matters
Current Situation
Rules
Written by humans, often unclear
→
Application
Multiple humans, different interpretations and interests, inconsistent
→
Experience
Overregulation, loss of meaning, doesn't reflect general will
Coming Situation
Rules
Clearer drafting, but how to reflect general interest?
→
Application
Algorithmic, perfectly consistent, rigorous execution
→
Experience
Loss of liberty if bad laws applied perfectly
1

For Governments

Tools to make rules clearer, more coherent, and easier for citizens to understand and follow.

Explore tools →
2

For Citizens

Ways to participate in rulemaking and ensure your voice contributes to collective decisions.

Learn how →
3

For Researchers

Ideas about legitimacy, consent, and how technology changes the nature of the social contract.

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Current Work

Better Rules: AI-Assisted Legislative Clarity

A tool that analyzes laws and regulations to identify ambiguities, contradictions, and opportunities for clearer expression. Currently being tested with government legal drafters in three jurisdictions.

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Vox Populi: Structured Public Consultation

A platform that helps governments gather, organize, and incorporate citizen input on proposed rules. Designed to make participation meaningful and results traceable.

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Rule Legitimacy in Automated Systems

Research examining how algorithmic enforcement changes the relationship between rules and consent. What does it mean to "agree" to rules that apply themselves?

View research →