From 26–29 August 2025, our faculty joined scholars and practitioners from across Europe and beyond at the EGPA 2025 Conference in Glasgow, Scotland, organized by the European Group for Public Administration (EGPA). 

Prof. György Hajnal and PhD Candidate Áron Hajnal presented “The Anatomy of Authoritarianism: A Conceptual Framework and Taxonomy of Authoritarian Government Practices (AGPs) with Empirical Applications from Central and Eastern Europe”, examining how subtle anti-democratic practices may emerge under democratically elected leaders in countries such as Hungary, Poland, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia. 

Dr. Sabina Schnell discussed “Conceptualizing and Measuring Democratic Role Perceptions of Civil Servants: Can It Be Done?”, exploring how civil servants’ understanding of their responsibilities influences governance, particularly in the context of global democratic backsliding. 

Both presentations prompted lively discussions on governance, democracy, and the evolving role of public administration, offering insights relevant to policy design and implementation. The conference provided an excellent opportunity to showcase research conducted within the Department of Public Policy, addressing pressing challenges in public administration, and to engage with international experts in the field.