The main objective of The Representative Disconnect: Diagnosis and Strategies for Rectification (REDIRECT) is to enhance our understanding of the current transformations of representative democracy in Europe at national and supranational level, and at the interconnection between different levels of territorial representation.
REDIRECT examines the representative disconnect and possible strategies for rectifying it. Representative disconnect is understood as a multidimensional phenomenon wherein the link between rulers and ruled is weakened along institutional, behavioural and affective lines. Such representative disconnect risks undermining the trust in and legitimacy of the overall system of democratic representation.
REDIRECT conducts quantitative and qualitative research (desk research, cross-national mass surveys and elite surveys, lab and conjoint experiments).
REDIRECT also explores strategies for reconnection among the traditional forms of political intermediation, such as parties, parliaments, and party-based government and strategies for redirection, where the centre of gravity of democratic representation is shifting, and other forms of political representation and deliberation are taking their place.
Suggested MA thesis topics connected to REDIRECT include, but are not limited to:
- How serious is the representative disconnect in Europe?
- Does Norway face a representative disconnect in its relationship with the European Union?
- What is the repertoire of possible strategies for redirection, and will they actually reconnect?
- Was the Conference on the Future of Europe (CoFoE) a useful strategy for redirection?
If you have questions about whether your topic might fit the project, please contact John Erik Fossum or Chris Lord.
Requirements
- Prior enrolment in an MA-programme and meet the academic progress requirements of that programme
- Write an MA thesis in English or Norwegian
- ARENA supervisor from the REDIRECT project
- Submit the thesis during the spring term 2025
How to apply
The application should include:
- Letter of motivation, indicating why and how you intend to address the project (1-2 pages)
- CV, including information on current studies and references
- Copies of transcripts from BA and MA A sample of your written work, such as a seminar paper or bachelor thesis
Submit the application by email to Ida Hjelmesæth.
Read more: MA student grants
Application deadline: 2 September 2024
Evaluation and selection criteria
We wish to attract students holding high academic standards. We will give preference to applicants with a combination of: good grades, a convincing letter of motivation, relevance of the suggested MA thesis topic, and proficiency in English writing and speaking.
Rights and duties
The following duties will apply to you as a student:
- Finish your MA thesis within the outlined time frame
- Contribute to relevant ARENA and REDIRECT activities during your time at ARENA, including ARENA’s regular Tuesday seminars
- Have an ARENA researcher as supervisor
Your rights as a student at ARENA are:
- Grant of NOK 20,000
- Work place at ARENA
- Publication of your MA thesis in the ARENA report series (subject to an assessment by the ARENA Director).
Contact
- For any questions related to the research topics, please contact John Erik Fossum
- For other questions, please contact Ida Hjelmesæth
- Project page: The Representative Disconnect: Diagnosis and Strategies for Rectification (REDIRECT)
- Read more: MA student grants