Deconstruct and Resist Autocratic Appeal to Reinvigorate Democracy

Democracy is under threat across the globe and, increasingly, within the European Union. Populist and authoritarian actors hollow out institutions and normalise illiberal practices. At the heart of this trend lies autocratic appeal—the capacity of authoritarian projects to resonate with citizens. Despite its urgency, the understanding of autocratic appeal remains fragmented. DeAppeal responds with the first comprehensive, interdisciplinary programme to explain why autocratic projects gain traction and to identify the societal and institutional conditions under which democratic appeal can be revived and mobilised. Using the lens of assemblage, the project examines how affective, discursive, and material drivers interact to generate both autocratic and democratic appeal. The project applies this framework across five crucial domains—gender, youth, everyday, institutions, and transnational—to investigate how authoritarian actors generate appeal and how resistance practices can contest authoritarian encroachment while cultivating vibrant democratic imaginaries. DeAppeal combines large-N analysis with in-depth, mixed-methods case research across 16 historical and contemporary contexts in Europe and beyond. A cross-cutting focus on digital authoritarianism and digital resistance further advances scholarship on how data, surveillance, and algorithmic governance reshape the citizen–state relationship. Building on robust evidence, DeAppeal delivers “Tools for thought”—scientific models that advance theory—and “Tools for practice”—co-created interventions developed with citizens, activists, educators, journalists, and policymakers. DeAppeal uses arts-based labs, science scepticism curricular workshops, and media literacy interventions to create strategies that counter (digital) autocratisation. A communication plan with audiovisual outputs and policy engagement ensures findings empower various audiences—from classrooms to EU institutions and global democracy forums.