The project will consider Europe’s strategic options for facing Brexit, the migration crisis, the rise of populism across the Continent, election trends and other future challenges.
Starting its research cycle in September 2017, the new phase of the Dahrendorf Forum will build on its existing network and reputation to produce new research and engage policymakers across Europe in a constructive discussion about Europe’s future in uncertain times. Four post-doctoral and three research associate positions will be funded for the next round.
The Academic Co-Directors of the Dahrendorf Forum, Prof. Iain Beggof the LSE European Institute and LSE IDEAS Associate said: “The current turbulent political environment – including Brexit, Trumpism and the lingering migration crisis challenge many of the assumptions, frameworks, policies and practices of national, European and international governance. While many of the implications remain unclear, there is manifestly a need for discussion and debate to explore what the changing domestic policies and geopolitics mean for Europe’s future. The Dahrendorf Forum is committed to engage in this debate and to contribute to it in ways that point to solutions and suggest options on how to address current challenges. We very much thank Stiftung Mercator for making this initiative possible.”
Executive Director of Stiftung Mercator Dr. Wolfgang Rohe added: "The Dahrendorf Forum stands not only for excellent research on the future of Europe but also for the dialogue between science and humanities and politics. In the light of the manifold challenges facing Europe, we support this project to strengthen Europe’s ability to act, one of the central goals of our foundation."
The Dahrendorf Forum is a joint initiative between the European Institute and LSE IDEAS. The Dahrendorf Forum honours the legacy of the late politician and social scientist Lord Ralf Dahrendorf. Stiftung Mercator has underlined its commitment to this long-standing partnership, first established in 2010 – a particularly significant step at a time when cooperation is urgently needed.
The Dahrendorf Forum has previously addressed different aspects of the European project. The fourth ‘cycle’ will have two working groups; one located in London looking at the future of European governance (Chairs: