One of the key challenges facing democracies today is the rise of the far right. While this is a global challenge, the local level is particularly important: it is where far-right actors often first gain influence, test new strategies, and shape public debate. At the same time, local communities are the first line of democratic self-defence.
While researchers have developed evidence on possible responses, local practitioners often face different realities on the ground. Too often, these two perspectives remain disconnected. Our two-day Open Lab workshop brought together researchers and students from different European countries (Greece, Germany, Belgium, Austria and Scottland) with local practitioners—including politicians, trade unionists, activists, and civil society organisations—to exchange knowledge and learn from one another. Participants discussed different strategies for responding to the far right, reflected on their strengths and limitations, and explored how they could be applied in local contexts. The overarching goal was to develop practical, democratic, and evidence-informed approaches that strengthen local communities and build lasting connections between research and practice.
