Giuseppe Porcaro

It is quite common for fiction writers to use research to ground their writing. It is less common in contemporary academia, however, to see social scientists using fiction as a methodology to elaborate a range of hypothesis, as well simulate their impact on society.

I argue that the contamination between science fiction, in particular political fiction could be beneficial for political science/geopolitical research. To argument this point, I will describe the methodology I have been using to write my first novel, DISCO SOUR, a story set in a parallel historical timeline where, after the global financial crisis, a civil war-ravaged Europe, nation-states collapsed, and the EU just prevents anarchy. he goal of the project is to counteract populist and anti-European discourses through an accessible, and emotionally appealing counter-narrative.

The ‘internet of things’ will bring major changes in many areas of life, including the political arena. What will be the new communication tools, strategies and narratives for policymakers?