EC2U Summer School: Democracy in Danger 16-18 March 2027 at JKU Linz
The fragile beginnings of liberal democracy suffered a severe setback in Europe during the 20th century due to National Socialism and Fascism. In Linz in particular, there are numerous sites of remembrance for this dark period – but other European countries also share the memory of totalitarianism or authoritarianism. Nevertheless, liberal democracy seemed unstoppable and, in the second half of the 20th century, developed into the guiding principle of governance in Europe. Today, in the still young 21st century, this guiding principle is under attack: disinformation, extremism, and nationalism endanger liberal democracy. However, in Europe we are not defenselessagainst these threats.
This EC2U Summer School focuses on three approaches, three challenges to defending liberal democracy:
active remembrance of totalitarianism and authoritarianism helps to ensure the value of liberal democracy is not forgotten;
legal frameworks protect societies from falling back into non-democratic regimes;
education about the mechanisms of propaganda and disinformation provides the foundation for a strong and resilient civil society to defend liberal democracy.
Information
Format: In-person only Location: JKU Linz, Austria Dates: March 16–18, 2027 Mobility grant: €1265 per attendee Registration:Register here by 18 December 2026
An in-person meeting for all selected participants will take place on campus in Umeå on 3 March 2027, at 16:00.
Who can apply?
Bachelor students
Master students
PhD candidates (doctoral students)
Staff members
Draft agenda
Day 1 - March 15
Travel day
Day 2 – March 16
Threats to Liberal Democracy
Excursion to Mauthausen memorial site
Day 3 – March 17
Remembrance work in different countries
Legal perspectives on radicalization, extremism, prevention and reparation
Day 4 – March 18
Workshop: Mechanisms of propaganda and disinformation
