The European Union Student Research Committee was established by IAPSS to bring researchers and students together with a common interest in European Union Politics. The SRC is composed of undergraduate and graduate researchers who conduct research individually and together in the field.
Current theme: European integration and its discontents: radical parties, populism, Euroscepticism
Rationale: despite its notable post-war objective of fostering peaceful economic cooperation, diplomatic stability, and regional integration among European countries under a norms-based liberal order, the European Union has faced several waves of criticism. Undoubtedly, the progressive widening and deepening of European integration against a backdrop of gradual enlargement have generated net aggregate gains for the bloc’s member states. However, the shortcomings of trade globalization, successive global exogenous shocks, and the post-industrial context of permanent austerity have fuelled the rise of vehement anti-establishment sentiments. Thus, radical political factions, extreme ideologies, populist platforms, and grassroots Eurosceptic movements may undermine the European project and ultimately dismantle the European paradigm of liberal democracy.
Explanatory notes: Under the broad research umbrella of ‘European integration and its discontents’, SRC members are expected to investigate, either individually or collectively, the challenges currently afflicting the EU integration process. From the growing popularity and electoral appeal of far-right politicians to the blatant anti-EU stances voiced by populist figures espousing nationalist and nativist agendas, the European community risks losing its legitimacy and backtracking on its integrationist progress. Confronted with such impending existential threats and with a looming identity crisis, how can the Union reaffirm its merits and paramount role in the region? How shall the EU “be forged in crisis”, as envisaged by Monnet?
Members are expected to work individually and in groups and contribute to the SRC theme with written reports and lectures. Interested members must submit their CV and a short research proposal on the SRC theme.
In case of inquiries, please contact the Chair, Iorgus-Serghei Cicală, at europe-rc@iapss.org. We are looking forward to receiving your application and/or questions about our SRC and projects.
Iorgus-Serghei Cicală
Chair, European Union Politics Student Research Committee
Iorgus is pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in International Politics and Government at Bocconi University and is currently attending an undergraduate exchange semester at Sciences Po in Paris. Driven by a genuine academic passion for global public policymaking and EU integration, he has joined both the European Generation Association and the IAPSS network in order to proactively interact with like-minded peers, deepen his understanding of political and socio-economic phenomena, draw on the plurality of ideas, and ultimately contribute to a dynamic community of inspiring students.
