Date: 24th to 28th of June 28, 2025
Location: Paris, France
The University of Paris 8 and the French Institute of Geopolitics invite you to the Summer School “Democracy at Risk. The Threat of the Extreme Right” which will take place from June 24 to June 28, 2025, in Paris, France.
This initiative is part of the broader NEXTRIGHT research project (MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship 10115024), which explores how the democracies of Western Europe have come to terms with and been impacted by the resurgence of fascism and, more broadly, of the extreme right in the immediate post-World War II period.
This Summer School is designed to give to students from the ERUA network to dialogue with experts and staff from research centres, foundations, and observatories focused on countering the resurgence of the extreme right.
We are well aware that contemporary society often speaks of democracy being in danger, of democracy at risk. It is also common in today’s debate to speak of a resurgence of the extreme right/fascism. However, we believe that public discourse often lacks historical depth and the ability to use historical analogies with precision. This Summer School therefore aims to provide a few—but valuable—historical tools to better understand the present, focusing in particular on two specific case studies: France and Italy.
Seminars, workshops, and dialogue sessions will characterize the entire Summer School, which will also include moments of fun and some excursions through the beautiful streets of Paris.
The Summer School will be coordinated by Andrea Martini, a postdoctoral researcher currently working on the NEXTRIGHT project at the Geopolitics Laboratory and engaged for years in the study of the extreme right. During the Summer School, however, Martini will be joined by other specialists in the field.
Application Details:
- Who Can Apply? Master’s degree students are welcome to participate. No prerequisites are required, except for an interest in the topic, a willingness to engage with others, and a readiness to question one’s own knowledge. Proficiency in English is required, as the entire Summer School will be conducted in English.
- The total number of places is 25. 15 will be reserved for Paris 8, while 10 will be open to all students enrolled in MA programmes at universities in the ERUA network.
- Location: Campus Condorcet Paris – Aubervilliers
- How to Apply: Interested applicants belonging to ERUA network should send their CV and a short cover letter (maximum one page) to the following email address: nextrightmsca@gmail.com and complete their application on this website : https://paris8.moveonfr.com/locallogin/660eb384386d1ea0ce0c5ad8/eng
Please note that gender balance will also be considered as a factor in the selection process. The email needs to be sent by May, 15th election will be announced by May, 18th.
ECTS Acknowledgement: 3 ECTS credits
The Summer School does not include a final assessment session for participants. However, attendance at 75% of the scheduled hours is required for credit to be awarded. Active participation is also required, as well as an oral presentation during the last session of what has been learned during the week. In particular, during the first session, all participants will be asked to give a definition of democracy and to outline some tools for opposing and dealing with extreme right-wing parties, racist movements, etc. The same evaluations expressed on the first day will be analysed together during the last meeting, in order to evaluate the value of the work done during the week.
Cost: participation is free of charge to students from ERUA universities
Support: ERUA students may receive funding for travel and accommodation expenses from their home universities.
Additional Information:
The programme combines lectures, workshops, and guided tours. Each expert session will be followed by an open Q&A.
Any PowerPoint presentations and additional materials provided by the speakers before or after their sessions will be shared with all participants.
You can see the preliminary Programme here.
Should you have any questions or need further information, please feel free to address an email to
- nextrightmsca@gmail.com (about the program)
- chloe.elusue03@univ-paris8.fr (for registration issues)
Looking forward seeing you in Paris!
