Appealing to voters’ better natures; is it feasible?

FEPS and Karl–Renner-Institut organise the sixth iteration of the Next Left Lecture. Hosted by Andreas Schieder MEP, the lecture ‘’Appealing to voters’ better natures; is it feasible?” will be presented by sociologist and political scientist Colin Crouch, Prof. Emeritus at the University of Warwick and External Scientific Member of the Max Planck Institute for the Study of Societies.

This lecture explores whether progressive parties can realistically appeal to voters’ “better natures” in an era increasingly shaped by populist cynicism. It argues that competing with the far right on fear or self-interest ultimately reinforces those narratives, and instead proposes a balanced approach that recognises both people’s willingness to do good and the limits of what they are prepared to sacrifice. Through examples such as climate policy, migration, and social mobility, Prof. Colin Crouch examines how citizens are more likely to support inclusive and forward-looking policies when these do not impose disproportionate burdens or threaten their quality of life.

The Lectures form an integral part of the Next Left Research Programme (est. 2009) and ever since they were introduced as an innovation in 2022, they are considered to be the significant moment during which the newest findings deriving from the research of the top European academics are presented in exclusive closed-door sessions to leading European policymakers. Notable lecturers in this series include Prof. Tarik Abou-Chadi, Lord (Roger) Liddle, Prof. Daphne Halikopoulou, Prof. Simon Hix and Prof. Jenny Andersson.

Programme

• 11.00 – 12.00 Open Lecture in the European Parliament (Hybrid)
• 12.00 – 13.00 Invitation-only discussion with high-level/ senior officials of the S&D Group and MEPs 
• 13.00 – 14.30 Lunch break 
• 14.30 – 15.30 High-level conversation debate at FEPS 

This event will take place at both the European Parliament and FEPS HQ.

For more information, please connect with Ania Skrzypek, FEPS Director for Research and Training (ania.skrzypek@feps-europe.eu), or Iris Vijverberg, Project Officer (iris.vijverberg@feps-europe.eu)