Understanding and engaging a new generation – a key to a liberal democratic future

Year: 2024

Edited by: Zoltán Ranschburg

Our contemporary European society is based on institutions and the public trust in them. This has been the situation for
decades, but with the rise of populism and political forces challenging those institutions and public trust to pursue short-term political gains, there is no guarantee that it will stay so in the future. It depends on the younger generations to keep our liberal democracies alive. Therefore, there are hardly any more important fields of study than the youth’s attitudes, perspectives and priorities.

The publication “Understanding and Engaging a New Generation – A Key to a Liberal Democratic Future” examines youth political participation in Hungary, Italy, and Poland, focusing on their trust in institutions, priorities, and engagement with liberal democratic values. Surveys reveal that while young people care about issues like climate change, economic instability, and mental health, their political engagement is often issue-specific rather than party-driven. Trust in institutions is higher among left-leaning and urban youth, with challenges like disaffection, misinformation, and populist influence shaping their attitudes. The publication offers policy recommendations to enhance youth involvement and ensure their commitment to democratic principles, emphasizing the role of education, inclusive communication, and forward-looking leadership to sustain liberal democracies.