Democracy Research

In the research focus on democracy research, empirical approaches meet democratic theory, institutional as well as political-cultural conditions are examined and actors and structures are brought into focus. This research focus is supported by the Center for the Study of Democracy (CSD), which sees itself as a political science center in all its breadth. The aim of all theoretical and empirical research is to increase the resilience of democracies. The research activities are integrated into a national and international network.

Numerous events are held on an ongoing basis. For example, the members of the Center for the Study of Democracy meet with guests at the Tuesday Seminar, the joint research colloquium, to discuss current research questions.

Once a year, the Klingemann Lecture takes place, in which a renowned guest gives a public lecture at the university.

Since 2024/2025, Prof. Dr. Chris Welzel, Prof. Dr. Jens Newig and Prof. Dr. Astrid Séville have jointly led the research focus “Democratic Resilience”, which brings together researchers from various subjects and faculties at Leuphana. This interdisciplinary working group is researching how the increasing power of authoritarian states from outside, but also radical forces from within, are putting democracy under pressure as a form of government. The question of what it takes to create a resilient democracy guides the projects involved.

An overview of the research activities of the members of the Institute of Political Science can be found in our research information system.

Professorship for Political System for the Federal Republic of Germany and the Euopean Union
(Prof. Dr. Michael Koß)
Professorship for International Relations
(Prof. Dr. Tobias Lenz)
Professorship for Research of Political Culture
(Prof. Dr. Christian Welzel)
Professorship for Security Policy and Peace
(Prof. Dr. Hana Attia)
Professorship for Comparative Politics
(Prof. Dr. Sarah Engler)
Professorship for Political Science, in particular Public Policy and Law
(Prof. Dr. Natascha Zaun)
Professorship for Political Science, in particular Political Theory
(Prof. Dr. Astrid Séville)
Professorship for Political Science, in particular Political Economy
(Prof. Dr. Lukas Hakelberg)

Institute of Political Science (IPW)

Center for the Study of Democracy (CSD)