Professor Aurel Croissant, a distinguished political science professor at Heidelberg University, shared insights during an interview at Ewha GSIS. He highlighted his research on democratic resilience in Asia and the impact of military behavior on democratic backsliding. He expressed concern about the increasing manipulation of elections and advised voters to focus on candidates’ actions. He recommended the book “How Democracies Die” and emphasized passion and discipline for academic pursuits. He also praised Seoul’s convenience and safety and encouraged students to follow their interests and stay informed on political matters.