Social Sciences Group

The Social Sciences Group (SSG) is a multidisciplinary, applied research group that is dedicated to facilitate a better understanding of the complex social world that we live in. The group is an applied research group that combines a number of different academic disciplines together in a cohesive way to work on a range of different personal, social and cultural issues in conjunction with local, regional and international organisations. Active research areas of the group are the following ones:

Media Literacy & Disinformation
MeDisInfo

Media Literacy & Disinformation – MeDisInfo is a research cluster within the Social Sciences Research Group at Max van der Stoel Institute that brings together experts in international relations, diplomacy, security studies, media, journalism, and information technology. Our primary objective is to thoroughly examine the multifaceted impact of fake news and disinformation on society and security, with a specific emphasis on their implications for the Balkan region.

Politics & Policy 
 

The Politics & Policy Research Cluster under the Social Sciences Group, aims to investigate complex dynamics of politics, policy design and development at play in effective policy-making, and undertaking multi-stakeholder analyses of ways to shape and improve societal wellbeing. In today’s world, we face many pressing challenges: persisting structural inequalities, worsening poverty rates and effects, the consequences of migration and demographic shifts, new risks to health and wellness, and the devastating implications of climate change – and that’s just to name a few. In one way or another, these challenges will all bear a tremendous impact on the development of governance and democracy. Effectively addressing them demands an academic approach that is interdisciplinary, multi-faceted, and innovative, combining theoretical insight with empirical practice. The Politics & Policy Research Cluster emphasizes the inclusive implementation of the ‘Quadruple Helix,’ which recognizes and encourages the cooperative power that society, policy, industry, and academia all wield in the conception of effective solutions to contemporary problems. In the Policy & Policy Research Cluster, our efforts are in exploring how these actors interact to shape policies that promote social justice, equity, sustainable communities, and democratic development.

Research Topics:

  • Challenges to Democratic Development
  • Political Influence over Policy-Making Processes
  • Policy Design
  • Challenges to Sustainable Development
International Politics, Security & Diplomacy
InPolSecDip

Working within the Social Sciences Group, MVDSI’s International Politics, Security, & Diplomacy (InPolSecDip) Research Cluster examines the closely enmeshed realms of political science, international relations, security studies, and diplomacy, aiming towards a deeper understanding of global power shifts, regional stability, and mechanisms of international cooperation. When it comes to navigating the dynamic and destructive foreign policy paradigms of today, some of the most prominent tools and goals of global powers – and those most of interest to InPolSecDip – include conflict resolution, hybrid threats, immigration and migration, cybersecurity, and energy security. These are critical issues with significant implications for the future of peace and development. InPolSecDip recognizes that a thoroughly interdisciplinary approach is necessary to tackle these complex issues. Therefore, this research cluster is dedicated to an approach that combines elements of both theory and empiricism, in order to bridge the gap in practice between them. By fostering collaboration among academics, policymakers, and civil society organizations (CSOs), InPolSecDip aims to inform and influence effective strategies for promoting security, stability, and diplomatic engagement in an increasingly interconnected world.

Research Topics:

  • Emerging Security Challenges
  • International Conflict and Resolution Mechanisms
  • Regional Stability and Multilateral Cooperation
  • Energy Security and Political Dynamics
Members

Veli Kreci

Albulena Halili

Edlira Palloshi Disha

Fortesa Asani

Albinota Nuredini

Shpresa Alija

Hajrulla Hajrullai

Merita Zulfiu Alili

Veland Ramadani

Memet Memeti

Gadaf Rexhepi

Hyrije Abazi Alili