What does it take to lead a people-centred policy organisation in today’s polarised and fast-changing Europe? In this episode, we speak with Mathieu Lefèvre, co-founder and CEO of More in Common, a non-profit that uses evidence and social psychology to understand what brings societies together and what drives them apart.
Mathieu reflects on the political fatigue spreading across Europe, and how rising polarisation and disinformation are reshaping the role of evidence in public life. In today’s climate, he argues, evidence is no longer just a tool, it’s a statement of values.
Drawing on nearly a decade of leadership, Mathieu shares lessons from building an organisation rooted in curiosity about people: from bringing polling in-house and investing in team culture, to embracing the political dimensions of their work.
We also explore the challenges think tanks face when it comes to change, funding, and engaging wider audiences. In a sector at risk of drifting away from people’s lived experiences, Mathieu offers a compelling vision of relevance, resilience, and hope.
Bonus content
In this bonus episode, we continue our conversation with Mathieu Lefèvre, Co-Founder and CEO of More in Common, to explore some of the critical forces shaping civic life and political discourse in Europe today.
We begin with a look at the current imbalance in funding within the market of ideas, where emerging players on the far right are gaining ground, and what this means for the future of democratic debate.
We also discuss new legislation in France and the UK that limits access to social media for under-16s, and how regulation might evolve to address broader concerns around focus, agency, and the online spaces that influence young citizens.
Finally, we ask whether traditional political categories are still helpful in understanding how people engage with politics, or if it’s time for a new framework that reflects the complexity of public opinion today.
These episodes are part of a series, Think tanks in a changing Europe, supported by the Open Society Foundations.
Learn more about More in Common.