In his dissertation project, Pascal Gadient examines the epistemisation of political debates using the example of the Swiss ‘migration discourse’. Migration is often perceived as an emotionalised and polarised topic that is characterised by insecurities and fears. In contrast to this common perception, however, it becomes clear in retrospect that the Swiss migration debate has been strongly characterised by scientific forecasts since the 1960s.
The aim of this study is to show how scientific expertise intervenes in political discourse and can contribute both to solving problems and to exacerbating conflicts.
