Democracy in Crisis – Lessons from Its History for the Future
Since the Second World War, democracy seemed to be a successful model with parliamentary democracy and the market economy as guarantees for progress and prosperity. For some time now, these ideas have come under increasing pressure. Authoritarian and dictatorial regimes are on the rise, and democracies are also being called into question from within; it is even claimed that the democratic model has come to an end.
Looking at the history of democracy, it is clear that the path has been tortuous; setbacks have beend many, but democratic thinking and action has evovled and adapted to new circumstances.
The seminar aims to highlight the stages of this history, look at the key stages of development up to the present day and ask the following questions: Why did the democracy emerge? What are the factors of the success and failure of democracies? What can be derived from the history of democracy for today's action?
Armin Flender
Ich bin Geschäftsführer des Kulturwissenschaftlichen Instituts Essen (KWI) und Historiker. Mich inspiriert Nietzsche, wenn er schreibt, dass „der Mensch, neben der monumentalischen und antiquarischen Art, die Vergangenheit zu betrachten, oft genug eine dritte Art nötig hat, die kritische […]. Er muß die Kraft haben und von Zeit zu Zeit anwenden, eine Vergangenheit zu zerbrechen und aufzulösen, um leben zu können: dies erreicht er dadurch, daß er sie vor Gericht zieht, peinlich inquiriert und endlich verurteilt: jede Vergangenheit aber ist wert, verurteilt zu werden.“
Objectives & Competences
Insights into the paths and origins of contemporary politics and society. Sharpening awareness of the challenges of the future.
Promoting reading skills and discussion skills. Analysis of one's own participation.
Maximum number of participants
30 participants