Interdisciplinary project explores democracy and the rule of law in a changing world

Ferenc Laczó (FASoS), together with Marijn van der Sluis (LAW), has been awarded a €5,000 grant through the Studio Europa Maastricht Research Call 2 – Academic Events and Outreach Activities for their project “Democracy and the Rule of Law in Global Dialogue.”

About the project

The project explores how democracy and the rule of law can be rethought in an increasingly multipolar world. At a time when liberal democracy faces growing pressure and climate change poses global challenges, the researchers argue that European perspectives should be enriched through dialogue with ideas and experiences from around the world.

The collaboration brings together expertise from the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASoS) and the Faculty of Law (LAW). By combining political and intellectual history, international relations, European constitutional theory, and environmental studies, the project aims to develop new ways of thinking about democracy and the rule of law that are better suited to today's global challenges.

As part of the project, the team will organise an interdisciplinary workshop bringing together international scholars from a range of disciplines and geographical backgrounds. The workshop will be complemented by outreach activities, including opinion articles, video recordings, and a podcast, to stimulate discussion among both academic and wider public audiences. The project will also lay the groundwork for future collaborative research and larger external funding applications.

About the funding instrument

The Studio Europa Maastricht Research Call 2 – Academic Events and Outreach Activities supports interdisciplinary initiatives that contribute to Maastricht University's research agenda on Europe. The programme funds workshops, conferences, and outreach activities that foster collaboration across faculties and strengthen public engagement with research on Europe and its role in a changing global context.