Social Science Works

22/07/2026

In order to strengthen democracy, we need a new discussion culture. To this end, we are creating public spaces where citizens can meet regularly to discuss social issues over coffee and cake and get to know each other better. Starting in October 2026, we will organize three series of ten dialogs each in Brandenburg and Berlin. Rangsdorf and Spandau will definitely participate in the project. The project is supported by the German Postcode Lottery (FA-25593).

08/07/2026

Die Beauftragte der Bundesregierung für Migration, Flüchtlinge und Integration hat Social Science Works das Projekt „Digitale Sprach- und Verwaltungsbrücke für Flüchtlinge in Unterkünften“ bewilligt. Ziel des Projekts ist es, mithilfe von KI die enorme Bürokratie zu bekämpfen, mit der Flüchtlinge konfrontiert sind, die in Deutschland ankommen und versuchen, sich zu integrieren. Zudem soll allen eine Entlastung verschafft werden, die an der Aufnahme und Integration von Neuankömmlingen arbeiten – von den Sozialarbeitern in den Flüchtlingsunterkünften bis hin zu den Mitarbeitern staatlicher Einrichtungen wie dem BAMF, der Arbeitsagentur und dem Sozialamt. Ziel ist es, alle Beteiligten von zeitraubender und zermürbender Bürokratie zu befreien und die Integration der Menschen drastisch zu beschleunigen. Etwa zehn Personen mit unterschiedlichem fachlichem Hintergrund – KI-Spezialisten, Sozialarbeiter sowie Sozial- und Politikwissenschaftler – werden an dem Projekt mitarbeiten.

Ziel des Projekts „Digitale Sprach- und Verwaltungsbrücke für Flüchtlinge in Unterkünften“ ist es, mithilfe von KI die enorme Bürokratie zu bekämpfen, mit der Flüchtlinge konfrontiert sind, die in Deutschland ankommen und versuchen, sich zu integrieren. Zudem soll allen eine Entlastung ve...

24/06/2026

Why is populism gaining ground across democracies worldwide?

This analysis explores the rise of right-wing populist movements, the factors driving their electoral success, and their impact on democratic institutions.

Rather than relying on a single explanation, it examines the complex interaction of political, economic, and social forces that fuel populist support. Particular attention is given to the growing sense of loss of control, public discontent, societal malaise, and the erosion of shared narratives that once provided meaning and stability.

Drawing on the experience of Germany, especially developments in East Germany, the article investigates the roots of political radicalization and declining trust in democratic systems.

It begins by defining the key characteristics of populism, then evaluates competing explanations for its global rise, and concludes by considering strategies to strengthen democratic resilience and address the underlying grievances that have contributed to the contemporary populist surge.

Read the full article at Social Science Works.

22/06/2026

Why is populism gaining ground across democracies worldwide? This analysis explores the rise of right-wing populist movements, the factors driving their electoral success, and their impact on democratic institutions. Rather than relying on a single explanation, it examines the complex interaction of political, economic, and social forces that fuel populist support. Particular attention is given to the growing sense of loss of control, public discontent, societal malaise, and the erosion of shared narratives that once provided meaning and stability. Drawing on the experience of Germany—especially developments in East Germany—the article investigates the roots of political radicalization and declining trust in democratic systems. It begins by defining the key characteristics of populism, then evaluates competing explanations for its global rise, and concludes by considering strategies to strengthen democratic resilience and address the underlying grievances that have contributed to the contemporary populist surge.

Why is populism gaining ground across democracies worldwide? This analysis explores the rise of right-wing populist movements, the factors driving their electoral success, and their impact on democratic institutions. Rather than relying on a single explanation, it examines the complex interaction of...

01/05/2026

New article by Marina Rozalén and Aida Massó on populism in Germany and Spain. How do they differ, what do they have in common?

This article aims to examine both the similarities and differences in the contemporary expressions of populism in Germany and Spain, as well as the structural, political, and ideological factors that account for these convergences and divergences.