8. July 2026
Freedom of expression or hate speech

How is social media changing our democracy?

The digital public sphere is changing the way we talk to one another and, as a result, the way democracy works. Where does freedom of expression end and where does hate speech begin? University of Vienna scholars Magdalena Pöschl and Jörg Matthes discuss this in the video.
2. July 2026
Presenting... Marta Vukovic

The democracy paradox: why do citizens accept democratic erosion?

Democracy can backslide even when most people say they support it. University of Vienna political scientist Marta Vukovic explains why citizens sometimes tolerate democratic violations and what it takes to protect liberal democracy.
1. July 2026
Wittgenstein Award 2026

Does gravity need a quantum theory?

Markus Aspelmeyer has won the 2026 Wittgenstein Award, widely considered to be the 'Austrian Nobel Prize' with an endowment of 2 million euros. At the heart of the quantum physicist's research is one of the biggest questions in physics: Is there a theory that describes both gravity and quantum effects?
1. July 2026
Gender inequality

The "Male Democrat": an interview with Martin Conway

Gender inequality remains the most durable form of inequality. Oxford historian Martin Conway has a radical claim: democracy helped reinforce it. In this interview, Johanna Taufner, doctoral researcher in political science at the University of Vienna, talks with Conway about the model of male-centred citizenship that dominates Western democracy, the manosphere and how democracy can be reimagined.
18. June 2026
Digital information environments

Simulations for the future of democracy

How do social media, algorithms and AI influence democratic discourse? Researchers at the University of Vienna are simulating digital information spaces to investigate ways of safeguarding democracy.
27. May 2026
Democracy Report 2026

The third wave of autocratisation

Political scientist Carolina Plescia at the University of Vienna explains the alarming results of the Democracy Report 2026, especially the rapid democratic backsliding of the United States. With stronger electoral institutions, societal protests and most importantly, early action, there is hope for re-democratisation.
21. May 2026
What democracy needs

No democracy without solidarity

Solidarity is the practice that holds our democracy together, particularly when the law is unable to provide a solution. Legal philosopher Elisabeth Holzleithner and political scientist Barbara Prainsack at the University of Vienna discuss why it has become harder to stand up for each other and suggest ways to foster greater solidarity.
19. May 2026
Participation in democracy

Should everyone living in Austria be entitled to a vote?

Taxation without representation. 1.5 million residents across Austria live, work and pay taxes without a vote. Lawyer Anuscheh Farahat at the University of Vienna on the 'democratic gap' running through Austrian politics, and why she thinks the fix begins at birth: automatic citizenship for children born in the country and an easier path to naturalisation for everyone else.
11. May 2026
Democracy under pressure

Democracy: are we at a tipping point?

A glance back at history shows that democracy cannot be taken for granted. Historian Claudia Kraft and political scientist Fabio Wolkenstein, both at the University of Vienna, explain how to recognise the early warning signs of democratic backsliding – and what keeps democracy resilient.
6. May 2026
Authoritarian regimes

Successful autocracies?

Autocracies and illiberal democracies are on the rise globally and, as in the case of China, appear to be quite 'successful'. Rudolphina discusses the underlying causes and circumstances with Christian Göbel, expert in Chinese studies.
14. April 2026
Guest article by
Dorothee Bohle
Parliamentary elections in Hungary

Hungary as a touchstone – how much autocracy can the EU take?

Hungary is often cited as an example of how democracies can be gradually eroded, even in the heart of the EU. Where exactly is the line between democracy and autocracy, and why does the EU often react so hesitantly? In the aftermath of the historic election on April 12th, political scientist Dorothee Bohle explains how 'democratic regression' takes hold and why the question of how much autocracy a democracy can withstand concerns all EU citizens alike.
8. April 2026
Presenting… Emily Genatowski

When robots join humans in their everyday lives

Emily Genatowski shares her Viennese flat with an AI humanoid robot. She has turned her home into an experiment to both experience and propose solutions to the problems of today and the future.
1. April 2026
Human rights, women’s rights and democracy

Where are human rights heading?

Human rights and democracies – not always an easy relationship. In an interview with legal philosopher Anne Kühler, Rudolphina discusses how these two concepts interact, what is behind the criticism raised against human rights and which role women’s rights play in this context.
26. March 2026
Health and society

'You cannot think about health without thinking about politics'

Health inequities are rooted in long-standing structural exclusion of marginalised groups. Rudolphina met with Helena Hansen, an international leader in social medicine. In the interview, she explains how the American opioid crisis reflects a lack of appreciation for the social determinants of health – and what health equity has to do with democracy.
25. March 2026
Semester question

Democracy and human rights – a 'complicated' relationship?

Human rights need to remain dynamic because society is changing. But how much restriction can human rights endure in a democracy? What happens when society is no longer able to agree on common rules? For example, when the loser does not want to accept the result of an election. Two perspectives on wriggle rooms and limitations in democratic politics.
10. March 2026
Mathematical Physics

The strange maths behind freezing water, pandemics and rumours

To many, maths seems detached from everyday life. University of Vienna mathematician Nathanaël Berestycki shows why this could not be more wrong: Maths is a powerful tool to make sense of common but surprisingly connected phenomena – from freezing water to social phenomena and pandemics. Even so, blind spots remain that keep him awake at night.
4. March 2026
Adolescent digital health

Should teenagers put their phones down? Not so fast.

U.S. health communication researcher Matt Minich, now continuing his research at the University of Vienna, speaks to the Rudolphina about teen smartphone use and mood, the lack of scientific evidence for blanket social media bans, and what it is about our brains that makes digital health and advertising campaigns so persuasive.
24. February 2026
Focus on stress

Stressed out?

How does stress impact the mind and the body? Rudolphina had a relaxed interview with stress researcher Urs Nater who focuses in particular on the interactions between stress and health.