This week on BBC World Service’s The Forum, Dr Benjamin Leruth (Research Associate at the School of Social Policy, Sociology and Social Research) debated with World War 2 historian professor Timothy Snyder (Yale University) and management editor of The Economist Adrian Wooldridge about the future of the State. He discussed public attitudes towards the European Union and the welfare state, the rise of Euroscepticism and presented the “Welfare State Futures: Our Children’s Europe” (WelfSOC) project, initiated by the University of Kent (with Professor Peter Taylor-Gooby as project leader).

Using an innovative research method (democratic forums), this project examines the aspirations, assumptions and priorities that govern the ideas of ordinary people about the future development of welfare in Europe. It also focuses on the emerging cleavages and solidarities between different groups. These factors will be key drivers in the unfolding of the politics of welfare and in shaping the way in which welfare states respond to current policy development and to future pressures.

Link to the podcast: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p033v73k
Link to the WelfSOC research project: http://welfsoc.eu