The conference will cover issues relating to the role and influence of trade unions within the framework of democratisation efforts and as the result of the radical changes and transformations which have and are still taking place in various political systems around the world. It will also consider the options available to trade unions in existing democracies to shape developments, particularly in light of the growing socio-economic problems and new challenges that they face in many of these democracies. The conference will focus on the initial situations, developments, processes and results of trade union influence in very different countries, regions and political frameworks. International comparisons and historical perspectives are also possible and desired. In particular, the conference will cover the following topics and issues: What functions do trade unions assume in democratisation and/or democracy stabilisation processes? In what way are trade unions political players in their operative frameworks and functions? How do they present themselves? What are the definitions and interpretations of democracy from a behaviour influencing perspective? How do the trade unions collaborate with their alliance partners in the democratic process? How do the trade unions‟ strategic concepts compare at an international level? What roles do trade unions play in repressive regimes? To what extent have trade unions adapted to changing work situations and demographic shifts (e.g. to the “internship generation” in industrial nations, migrants or the very young average age of many populations in the southern hemisphere)? What functions do trade unions assume in connection with the inclusion and integration of marginal set groups? What function do the ILO and other international trade union organisations assume in the above connection? What is the significance of transnational networks? What kind of a media presence do trade unions have in the democratic process?