Welcome to my page. My name is David Kitching and I am the Director of Social and Political Research at AudienceNet, a full-service research and communications agency based in London. The main purpose of this page is to centralise my writings for other sites but I hope it will increase my overall output.
In my department at AudienceNet, we use connected technologies and high quality empirical research to help improve political engagement and public discourse. We provide research, communications and strategic services to governmental organisations, academic institutions, think tanks, NGOs, parties and others who seek to improve political engagement. We have a particular advantage in youth-focused engagement as the lead researchers on the “Millennial Dialogue” and for such organisations as ThinkYoung.
I draw on six-and-a-half years as a policy advisor at the Brussels-based think tank, the Foundation for European Progressive Studies and with the Committee on Foreign Affairs in the European Parliament. In these roles, I studied populist and far right movements as well as broader political trends pertaining to active citizenship, democratic legitimacy and accountability in public institutions. Added to this, I worked on international issues, with particular emphasis on constitutional reform and democratic transition in the Middle East, North Africa and the Western Balkans.
I hold an MSc in Comparative Politics from the London School of Economics and a BA (International) in History & Politics from University College Dublin. I also studied for a year at the Universidad de Deusto in Bilbao.
When not working on political matters, I enjoy playing music (guitar, bodhrán, bouzouki) and Gaelic football (corner back). Yes, I’m better off the ball than on it.
The Deserted Village 