Governance, democracy, solidarity

The area of democracy, solidarity and dialogue examines the political and social forces that determine the organisation of societies and the (re)distribution of power and resources. Research in this field focuses on political dynamics and processes at various levels of government, on questions of solidarity, inclusion, exclusion and inequalities, as well as on power relations and conflicts, including security interventions within and between societies and global multirelational processes. It also includes the study of the politicisation of identities in the context of elections, the role of political competition, social conflict and protests, as well as political and social polarisation. 

This key research area is concerned with dynamics in political communication and the dialogue between states or state-like entities such as the European Union, organisations and citizens; it examines the significance of communication infrastructures for private and public spheres and the role of misinformation and digital security issues. Research in this field produces relevant knowledge for various social and political stakeholders to foster effective, responsible and inclusive institutions and democratic resilience.