Sapere Aude grant: Researcher to bring nuance to the debate on populism
Mikkel Flohr has received a DKK 6.3 million Sapere Aude grant to build a research team at CBS and investigate how populism and anti-populism influence democracy and the public debate
Populism has become a central theme in discussions about the state of democracy. The concept is often used to explain growing polarisation, political disillusionment and declining trust in institutions. It is also frequently used as a negatively charged label for political actors.
Populism takes up a lot of space in the news, in political debates and in academic research.
Yet despite the widespread attention it receives, there is surprisingly little agreement on what populism means. A new research project led by Mikkel Flohr aims to provide a deeper understanding of the concept.
He has been awarded a prestigious Sapere Aude grant of DKK 6,331,000 from Independent Research Fund Denmark to conduct research on populism. The grant will enable Mikkel Flohr to establish a research team at the Department of Business Humanities and Law at CBS from the beginning of next year.
Democratic resource or democratic challenge?
“Populism is not just an academic concept; it is also part of the public debate. It is often used to single out political actors and, at times, portray them as incorrigible demagogues who pose a threat to democracy,” says Mikkel Flohr.
He points out that while such claims may sometimes be justified, they can also contribute to stigmatising popular mobilisations, movements and political parties and thereby increase political polarisation in society.
“The aim of the project is therefore to contribute to a more nuanced understanding of when popular mobilisations serve as a democratic resource and when they become a democratic challenge” Mikkel Flohr
Researcher
As part of the project, he and his colleagues will explore the history of anti-populism and develop a new understanding of populism and its relationship with democracy. When does criticism of populism contribute to a democratic debate, and when does it risk intensifying polarisation?
Joining a strong research environment at CBS
Mikkel Flohr joins CBS from Roskilde University, where he conducted research on ideas of the people, democracy and populism.
The new research project is based at the Department of Business Humanities and Law at CBS, where Mikkel Flohr already has several collaborative partners.
“There is a very well-established research environment in areas such as political theory and intellectual history, and I am very much looking forward to becoming part of it,” says Mikkel Flohr.
Two postdocs will be affiliated to the project.
Facts about the grant
- Mikkel Flohr has received a DKK 6.3 million Sapere Aude grant to build a research team at CBS and investigate how populism and anti-populism influence democracy and the public debate.
- Two postdocs will be affiliated to the project.
- The Sapere Aude programme is designed for exceptionally talented early-career researchers who have already demonstrated research excellence at an international level. It supports original research ideas and the development of future research leaders.
About the researcher
- Mikkel Flohr joins CBS from Roskilde University, where he conducted research on ideas of the people, democracy and populism.
- He has previously held positions at the University of Westminster and UC Berkeley.
- He will be employed at the Department of Business Humanities and Law at CBS.