Since a decade ago we can observe that representative democracies in Europe and in the United States of America are endangered. A growing segment of the population is not only losing trust into the political elites, but also in democratic institutions. One consequence is the success of populist leaders and their anti-democratic and anti-pluralist politics. Another consequence is that social cohesion is becoming fragile. Polarization is increasing. What can be done? In her talk, Professor Landfried will discuss whether new forms of citizens’ participation are a way of rebuilding trust.

Christine Landfried is Professor Emerita of Political Science at the University of Hamburg. She has studied history, international law and political science at the University of Heidelberg and at Harvard University. From 2014 until 2016 she has been the Max Weber Professor at New York University. Christine Landfried has been teaching at Sciences Po in Paris, the University of California at Berkeley, and at Yale Law School. As Thomas Mann Fellow of 2022 she is working on a project about citizens’ conferences. Her research interests and publications include the process of European integration, the cultural conditions of democracy, the relation between art and politics, and the political role of constitutional courts. This lecture was co-funded by the European Union.