Revitalizing democratic conversation in troubled times: what, why, and how?

The belief in democracy and democratic institutions is waning. Political malaise, populism and radicalization are widespread. Everywhere in the Western world not only newly arrived, but also native citizens need to be integrated in the social and political fabric. Hans Blokland discusses projects starting courteous conversations again with citizens on politics and society, and addresses the underlying ideas on democratic deliberation. Why do we need dialogues about what holds our societies together? How can we counter antagonism, alienation and radicalism? How can we build meaningful discussions about values and beliefs? And are people always right about their interests and goals?

Autorentext
Hans Blokland (Prof. Dr.) ist Direktor der NGO Social Science Works in Potsdam. Er lehrte Politikwissenschaft, Soziologie und Wissenschaftstheorie an der Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin und war Inhaber des Corelio-Lehrstuhls für Medien und Demokratie an der Freien Universität Brüssel sowie des Alfred-Grosser-Lehrstuhls für Soziologie an der Sciences Po in Frankreich. Außerdem hatte er Gastpositionen an der Yale University und der Manchester University inne und war Fellow der Königlichen Niederländischen Akademie der Künste und Wissenschaften.