Economic Research Program (ERP)

The aim of the Economic Research Program (ERP) is to examine populist economic developments at the global, regional, and local levels and to produce relevant academic studies/analysis that analyse both micro- and macro-economic populist strategies and policies.

ERP will also address developments that might threaten open society, the rule of law, human rights and freedoms, and the free-market economy as well as the established liberal order. In line with the general vision and mission of ECPS, ERP aims to provide policymakers with opinions and policy proposals.

ERP’s main research topics will include:

• Economic dimensions of global power shifts that have been experienced since the end of the Cold War.
• Economic causes and consequences of the transition from a unipolar or bipolar world to a multipolar world.
• Increasing trade, economic, and technological conflicts between the incumbent power, the U.S., and emerging powers, such as China, as well as other global and regional powers.
• Growing weaknesses of multilateral economic institutions/organizations such as the Bretton Woods System and emerging alternative, local, and international hybrid mechanisms such as China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
• New and changing relationships established between the state and the economy/markets/companies.
• Changes in the sphere of economic policymaking.

Finally, with the help of different communication channels, conferences, panel discussions, and symposiums, we aim to disseminate and share our main findings and policy recommendations with major stakeholders, particularly in Europe, including governments, civil society organisations, and citizens.