“Political Governance” – Gesellschaftsforschung 1/2025 Published

MPIfG Director Emeritus Fritz W. Scharpf celebrated his ninetieth birthday this spring. His research on the complex interrelationships inherent to political decision-making processes continues to shape our understanding of modern democracies to this day. Arthur Benz looks back on Scharpf's outstanding work in the lead article of the latest issue of Gesellschaftsforschung, the MPIfG’s German-language research magazine.

“As the EU attempts to reduce its dependency on China, it is becoming increasingly dependent on Orbán’s Hungary,” warns Pálma Polyák in the new issue’s opinion piece on the European battery strategy.

Also featured are insights from Karen Lillie and Claire Maxwell’s interviews with students at one of the world’s most exclusive private schools. Their study shows that being super-rich is no guarantee of advancement into a global elite.

Having led a delegation of observers from the Max Planck Society to COP29 in Baku last November, Hannah Pool takes a sociological look in her article, “Negotiating Stages and Power Dynamics,” at the most recent UN climate negotiations.

Gesellschaftsforschung delivers insights into ongoing research projects and activities at the Max Planck Institute for the Study of Societies. It is published twice a year in print and online and can be subscribed to free of charge.