The EU plans to invest €438 million in 2025 for research aimed at combating the rise of authoritarianism and radicalization. This funding will focus on threats to democratic governance, misinformation, and the factors driving autocratic popularity, particularly in light of recent global electoral shifts and geopolitical tensions.
In a new chapter of its endeavor to quell the shadows of authoritarianism, the European Union has unveiled plans to allocate €438 million for social sciences research in 2025, according to a leaked document. This funding will focus on deciphering the complex dynamics fueling radicalization and extremism, aiming to shield democracy and rebuild faith in public institutions. Highlighting the urgency of tackling misinformation, the program will prioritize examining threats that disrupt democratic processes, including the alarming rise of authoritarian ideologies in traditionally stable democracies.
The backdrop of this initiative is a global political landscape increasingly marred by the emergence of authoritarian regimes and a decline in democratic freedoms, marking the 18th consecutive year of global setbacks in liberty. The 2024 electoral calendar, which sees several pivotal elections within the EU and beyond, has heightened the urgency for this research. The conflict in Ukraine has also underscored the implications of such shifts, revealing a mosaic of geopolitical pressures that encourage these trends.
With a staggering increase in funding for 2025, the EU is making a concerted effort to confront the rising tide of autocracy through comprehensive research into democracy, culture, and economics. As they gather scientific insights into the drivers of authoritarianism, there is hope that policymakers will be equipped with tools necessary to combat these global shifts. The forthcoming years will be critical as the EU navigates these turbulent waters, striving to secure the pillars of democratic governance amidst rising populism and disinformation.
Original Source: sciencebusiness.net
