From the MPI

The number of people living in liberal democracies is declining. The democracies that remain, meanwhile, are fragile, not least because many people view politics and political parties with scepticism. Steffen Mau, Director at the Max Planck Institute for Political and Social Science in Göttingen, analyses the many reasons behind these developments and suggests how democracies might retain or regain their appeal. more

Göttingen, May 15, 2026 – Steven Vertovec, Managing Director of the Max Planck Institute for Political and Social Science (MPIPS), has been appointed President of the newly established International Panel on Migration (IPM). The IPM is an independent, interdisciplinary, and permanent scientific institution dedicated to bridging the gap between migration research, policymaking, and public discourse. more

Political scientist Ursula Daxecker appointed to the MPI for the Study of Religious and Ethnic Diversity more

Sociologist Steffen Mau appointed to the Max Planck Institute for the Study of Religious and Ethnic Diversity in Göttingen – Institute embarks on strategic reorientation more

On December 17, 2024, the Max Planck Society welcomed approximately 400 guests from politics, business, and society to its, Prelude 2025, held at the Festsaal Kreuzberg in Berlin. Max Planck Society President, Patrick Cramer, opened the event with a call for justice. In his speech, he advocated for the establishment of an independent Chief Scientific Advisor to the Federal Government, similar to roles held by Chief Scientific Advisors in countries such as Canada and the UK.  more

In his book, Steven Vertovec reevaluates social identities more

Modern migration is more complex than ever more