Paula Iacobescu
In countries the world over, the patriotic man is the face of illiberal masculinity. Paula Iacobescu explores the illiberal male ideal in contemporary Romanian politics, through its figurehead, George Simion Read more
Max Steuer
Of all domains of inquiry, the science of democracy is hit particularly heavily in non-democratic regimes. Max Steuer argues that non-democratic practices in academia complicate the issue. Here, he calls for a debate on more intra-academic democracy Read more
Jonas Wolff
Democracy is in trouble, and so is democracy research. In response, the Science of Democracy 2.0 lays out an ambitious agenda. While applauding this endeavour, Jonas Wolff explores a fundamental tension: is a radically pluralist approach to democracy research a tool to defend democracy? Read more
Avery Gozu
Anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment has surged in Romania, especially since the 2024 presidential elections. Avery Gozu argues that illiberal candidates' weaponisation of homophobia runs deeper than surface-level insults – it is embedded in a socio-cultural web of hetero-nationalism and hegemonic masculinity Read more
Adrianna Zabrzewska
Adrianna Zabrzewska and Roberto Kulpa show that, despite populism's hostile political climate, limited funding, and tensions within the community, the pursuit of a liveable and joyful life for LGBTIQ+ individuals and cishet women in Poland is an unfolding project of resilience and resistance Read more
