Research overview
My research explores how migration, political polarization, and collective memory reshape democratic institutions and the boundaries of belonging, with a particular focus on citizenship, identity, and democratic resilience across Europe and North America.
Core research themes
Migration, citizenship, and belonging focus on how migration reshapes democratic societies, citizenship regimes, and political identities in Europe and North America. Populism, Nationalism, and Democratic Resilience Analysis of right-wing populism, identity politics, and the challenges they pose to liberal democratic institutions. Memory Politics and Democratic Governance Research on how collective memory, historical narratives, and contested pasts shape political legitimacy and democratic belonging.
Current research projects
Migration, Citizenship, and Belonging. Focus on how migration reshapes democratic societies, citizenship regimes, and political identities in Europe and North America.
Populism, Nationalism, and Democratic Resilience. Analysis of right-wing populism, identity politics, and their impact on liberal democratic institutions.
Memory Politics and Democratic Governance. Research on how collective memory and contested pasts shape political legitimacy and democratic belonging.
Research approach
His work combines comparative political analysis with interdisciplinary perspectives from political theory, sociology, and history. It combines empirical research, community engaged approaches with theoretically informed questions about democracy, belonging, and social cohesion.
International collaboration
Schmidtke collaborates with leading research institutions across Europe and North America and international research networks on migration and democracy. His work is embedded in transnational academic and policy-oriented collaborations. As co-lead, he has led the Europe Canada Network to deepen transatlantic collaboration and pursue innovative public outreach.
