Understanding how states and citizens interact is a vital, cross-disciplinary endeavor — explored through sociology, political science, media studies, public administration, and beyond. But with so many methods, theories, and traditions in play, where do you begin?
Our toolkit is your gateway. Designed for researchers at every career stage — from PhD students to seasoned scholars — and for practitioners in media, education, governance, and policy, it offers a clear, curated map of the most relevant methods for studying state-citizen relationships.
Each method is contextualized: we explain when and why to use it, how it connects to key theories and disciplines, and where to find foundational literature and real-world applications. We also connect you with leading experts — so you’re never working in isolation.
More than a reference, this is a catalyst: we’re building a shared, accessible foundation of methodological expertise — inside academia and out — empowering you to critically evaluate, confidently apply, and creatively adapt research tools to your own work.
Whether you’re launching a new project, refining your approach, or seeking to bridge theory and practice — start here. Let’s deepen our understanding of the relationships that shape society — together.
This toolkit is a key deliverable of CA23114 RELINK² — a dynamic, cross-disciplinary initiative shaping the future of state-citizen research.
We’ve designed the contribution to be quick, focused, and rewarding. Instead of overwhelming time commitments, we’ve divided the work smartly among experts — so your input? Just 1–2 hours. That’s it.
And yes — you get full, visible credit. Your name will be proudly displayed right alongside the method you describe. This isn’t just a contribution — it’s your scholarly signature, shared with a global community of researchers and practitioners.
Your insight matters. Help build a living, evolving resource — and leave your mark on the field. Let’s make great research more accessible, together.
The RELINK2 Action will intensify existing networking efforts of scholars from different disciplinary backgrounds and countries in the EU and beyond, to address two problems:
(1) How can democracies regain legitimacy and rebuild the link between representative institutions and citizens using the benefits of digital technologies?
(2) How can political organisations connect with digitally marginalised but politically active groups (the elderly) and with digitally active but politically marginalised ones (young citizens)?
In this regard, RELINK2 aims to find answers to three research gaps: a) the main organisational consequences of the digital transformation and their impact on re-linkage strategies, b) effectiveness of digital transformations in re-connecting intermediary structures with society, c) implementation of political organisations’ re-linking strategies to marginalised groups based on responsible use of digital tools. This requires an interdisciplinary and coordinated analytical framework.
The network will tackle challenges through research coordination objectives. Four Working Groups will be formed to bring in expertise on: 1) theoretical and 2) methodological challenges, 3) empirical analysis, 4) engagement and dissemination.
RELINK2 will provide new opportunities to strengthen the career development of specific target groups and disseminate knowledge to countries and political organisations with less capacity in the field of the Action.
The practical implication of the Action is to create impact beyond the network. RELINK2 will develop a strong cooperation with stakeholders to integrate a non-academic point of view, identify good practices, and prepare recommendations. The Action aims to meet its objectives through a knowledge production and exchange with relevant stakeholders.