Democracy, Europe, Far-right Extremism, Neutralizing Dangers

ongoing

Far-right populism is a growing global challenge, undermining democratic values and social cohesion. In Europe and Latin America, its rise is fueled by socio-economic instability, disinformation, and political polarization. The European Union has developed strategies to counteract these threats, offering valuable lessons that can be adapted to other regional contexts. DEFEND aims to enhance knowledge of far-right populism through interdisciplinary education, research, and civic engagement. It fosters EU-Latin American collaboration, equipping students, educators, and policymakers with tools to counter extremism and safeguard democracy. The project develops a Jean Monnet Module integrating European studies with comparative analysis of far-right populism. It offers specialized courses, research outputs, and public engagement initiatives. Activities include lectures, an interdisciplinary workshop, a virtual library, and policy discussions. Expected results include increased awareness of democratic threats, enhanced academic collaboration, and the adaptation of EU counter-populism strategies to Latin America. The project will create an interdisciplinary curriculum, a monograph, and a series of public events, strengthening EU public diplomacy. DEFEND’s impact extends beyond academia by fostering civic resilience and promoting democratic values. Its long-term goal is to establish sustainable educational and research collaborations between European and Latin American institutions to counteract far-right populism effectively.