Democracy Talk #16 with Cas Mudde: Rethinking the fight against the far-right

15.10.2026

Democracy Talk

About FES Democracy Talks

At our FES Democracy Talks, we invite our Vienna-based partners from politics, academia, and civil society to engage in low-threshold conversations about general and current political issues related to democracy in Austria, Europe, and the world. FES Democracy Talks generally take place at the FES Vienna event space at Reichsratsstraße 13/12.

As the name suggests, the focus is on conversation: The input from our invited guests is deliberately kept brief to allow ample space for questions, discussions, and mutual exchange. Refreshments are also provided – with small snacks and drinks – because the best conversations often arise in a relaxed atmosphere.

Depending on our guest, Democracy Talks are held in English or German.

Democracy Talk #16 with Cas Mudde: Rethinking the fight against the far-right

The electoral successes of the far-right have been a major topic in Western Europe for a few decades. Yet, no matter what mainstream parties do, they seem unable to stop the rise of the far-right: in Austria, the FPÖ is polling at 40%; in Germany, strong increases in vote share are expected for the AfD in upcoming state elections; in France, Marine Le Pen is leading the polls for the presidential election, and so on. What are mainstream parties and candidates missing? What mistakes are they making? What should they do differently? Are there any new approaches to fighting the far-right that show promise? We will discuss these questions and others with Cas Mudde, one of the world’s leading experts on the far-right, at our next Democracy Talk on 15 October, 2026. Cas Mudde is the Stanley Wade Shelton UGA Foundation Professor of International Affairs and a Distinguished Research Professor at the University of Georgia.

In cooperation with CEU's Political Science Department.

22.10.2026 | 6pm | FES Regional Office Vienna, Reichsratsstraße 13/12, 1010 Vienna, take the elevator to the fourth floor

Register here.

Contact

FES Regional Office for International Cooperation

Democracy of the Future

+43 (0) 1 890 3811 305
democracy.vienna(at)fes.de

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