Policy Voices | What divides us?

A podcast series by Debating Europe, Friends of Europe’s citizen engagement unit.

Building social cohesion. Restoring democratic trust. Bridging divides.

As Europe faces rising polarisation – on politics, climate, technology, and trust in public institutions – decision-makers are under growing pressure to respond with solutions that are effective, inclusive, and forward-looking.

Overcoming polarisation: paths to common ground is a podcast series that cuts through the noise to explore the drivers of division and the pathways to unity. Produced by Debating Europe, part of Friends of Europe, this series brings together a wide range of voices – policymakers, civil society leaders, business innovators – highlighting findings from our latest research project, Voices for Choices.

Each episode focuses on core issues like economic inequality, digital disruption, and climate anxiety, offering actionable insights and policy-relevant perspectives. The aim? To move beyond analysis and spotlight scalable solutions that strengthen democratic resilience and rebuild trust across European societies.

If you’re a policymaker, funder or stakeholder committed to bridging divides and shaping Europe’s future, this podcast is for you.

Listen now. Engage with the voices shaping tomorrow’s common ground.

In today’s show, host Sabina Șancu spoke with Alison Goldsworthy, lecturer at Stanford University and Chair of the Joseph Rowntree Reform Trust, about the complex roots of polarisation, how hard it can be to change opinions, and the importance of (admitting to) being wrong. 

In the second part of the episode, Matthew MacWilliams, public opinion lead at Foundation International Communications Hub, discusses different generations’ take on freedom and authoritarianism – and how this can indicate a very different future for democracy. 

You can find out more about Debating Europe‘s insights through their latest report, Voices for Choices.

If you want to comment on this episode you can send us an e-mail: press@friendsofeurope.org

Co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Commission. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.