The International Dimensions and Effects of Populism (IDEoPOP)
- Pinar Bilgin, professor of International Relations at Bilkent University, Ankara.
- Fabrizio Coticchia, University of Genova, full Professor of Political Science at the University of Genoa.
- Sandra Destradi, Professor of International Relations at the University of Freiburg, Germany, leads the IDEoPOP Doctoral Network.
- Stephan Fouquet, research associate at the Catholic University of Eichstätt-Ingolstadt, Germany, coordinates the IDEoPOP Doctoral Network at the University of Freiburg, Germany.
- Emilian Kavalsk, NAWA Chair Professor at the Jagiellonian University in Krakow (Poland) and Book Series Editor for Routledge’s “Rethinking Asia and International Relations” series.
- Christian Lequesne, full Professor of political science at Sciences Po
- Fredrik Söderbaumis, Professor of Peace and Development Research in the School of Global Studies (SGS), University of Gothenburg and Associate Research Fellow of the United Nations University Institute of Comparative Regional Integration Studies (UNU-CRIS).
- Dr. Kilian Spandler, Professor ad interim in International Relations at Kiel University.
- Natasza Styczyńska, Assistant Professor at the Institute of European Studies of the Jagiellonian University.
- Leslie E. Wehner, Professor of International Relations at the University of Bath, United Kingdom.
The global rise of populist movements has changed the political landscape over the past years. While populism has primarily been analysed for its domestic implications, its international dimensions and effects remain underexplored.
Funded under the European Union’s Horizon Europe – Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions – Doctoral Networks (MSCA-DN), IDEoPOP explores how populism intersects with both domestic and international politics and how it impacts international politics. Under the guidance of some of the leading scholars in this area, a new generation of doctoral candidates will be trained in the study of the international dimensions and effects of populism.
IDEoPOP offers training-through-research within a uniquely structured doctoral programme imparting academic and complementary professional skills. A multifaceted scholarly training is provided jointly by seven academic partners: University of Freiburg (Germany), Sciences Po Paris (France), University of Gothenburg (Sweden), Bilkent University (Turkey), University of Genoa (Italy), Jagiellonian University (Poland), and University of Bath (UK). Moreover, doctoral candidates will learn how to develop and communicate academic and policy-relevant solutions to the challenges posed by populism in international politics via temporary assignments to renowned think tanks (Institute of International Relations Prague, International Youth Think Tank in Gothenburg, Institute for International Economic Relations in Athens, BRICS Policy Center in Rio de Janeiro, Stiftung Genshagen near Berlin, and Institut Jacques Delors in Paris).
The comprehensive training in IDEoPOP will prepare doctoral candidates for careers in academia, think tanks, government agencies, international organizations, or NGOs dealing with issues of democracy and international cooperation.
The project has 4 Work Packages:
About Work Package 1
About Work Package 2
About Work Package 3
About Work Package 4
The CERI welcomes Sophie Maier and Corneel Weyers, two doctoral students within the framework of the IDEoPOP programme. Sophie and Corneel answer Miriam Périer's questions in a short interview you can read HERE.
Routledge Handbook of Populism and Foreign Policy
June 13th, 2025
The Routlege Handbook of Populism and Foreign Policy was co-edited by Sandra Destradi and features several chapters written by IDEoPOP members:
- The Ideational Approach to Populism and the Study of Foreign Policy By Sandra Destradi
- Populism, Roles, and Foreign Policy By Leslie E. Wehner
- Populism and the Centralisation of Foreign Policy Decision-Making Co-Authored By Sandra Destradi
- Career Diplomats and Populist Leaders Co-Authored By Christian Lequesne
- Populism and International Organisations By Kilian Spandler, Fredrik Söderbaum
- Populism and the Use of Force By Fabrizio Coticchia
- Populism and Foreign Economic Policy By Stephan Fouquet
Our network comprises seven academic partners: the University of Freiburg (Germany), Sciences Po Paris (France), University of Gothenburg (Sweden), Bilkent University (Turkey), University of Genoa (Italy), Jagiellonian University (Poland), and University of Bath (UK, funded by UKRI). Further, IDEoPOP cooperates with a number of renowned think tanks that serve as associated partners: the Institute of International Relations Prague, the International Youth Think Tank in Gothenburg, the Institute for International Economic Relations in Athens, the BRICS Policy Center in Rio de Janeiro, the Stiftung Genshagen near Berlin, and the Institut Jacques Delors in Paris.
