CEU Political Science Department

Switzerland's direct democracy is admired around the world, but should it be a model for export?

Following last week's high-profile Swiss referendum on population caps, CEU Political Science Department Professor Daniel Bochsler has a timely new take. In a piece for Swissinfo, he draws on the European Social Survey to show just how differently Swiss citizens think about democracy compared to their European neighbours, and why that gap matters for Switzerland's efforts to promote democracy abroad.

The piece is a great read for anyone interested in comparative democracy, direct democracy, or Swiss politics. Read more via the link below.
https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/global-elections/what-kind-of-democracy-should-switzerland-promote/91595977

🎉 Celebrating Our Outstanding Award Recipients!

As we wrap up another Academic Year, we are proud to announce the recipients of this year's Departmental Awards. Congratulations to all!

🏆 Best Teaching Assistant
Sebastian Engler — thank you for your dedication to the students!

📜 Outstanding Thesis Award

1-Year MA
🔹 Thomas Paolino, supervised by Matthijs Bogaards — "Judicial Legitimacy When Courts Sanction Politicians: Survey Evidence from the Marine Le Pen Prosecution in France"
🔹 Seb Elmes, supervides by Anca Gheaus — "No Man is an AI-sland: Can Liberal States Justify Governing the Social Impacts of Human-AI Relationships?"

2-Year MA
🔹 Sofija Kirsanov, supervised by Daniel Bochsler — "Containing Multitudes: How Identity Hierarchies Condition Party Support"

🌟 Outstanding Departmental Service
🔹Erwan Leroy & Lucia Tomcanyiova — in recognition of their exceptional contributions to the life and community of the Department of Political Science.

Thank you to everyone who made this year so special👏

In some EU countries, over 50% of young workers are employed on temporary contracts. New research by CEU Professor Anil Duman tracks what this means for workers' longer-term careers, drawing on two decades of longitudinal data across EU member states. Her findings show that temporary employment can serve as a route into stable work — but its effects vary significantly by age, gender, education, and national labour market context.

Full paper: https://www.eurofound.europa.eu/en/publications/all/examining-temporary-employment-in-eu-member-states-a-longitudinal-perspective