When the Center for Liberal Modernity was founded in 2017, the “illiberal counterrevolution” (Timothy Garton Ash) was already in full swing. But the force with which autocratic and illiberal currents have since picked up speed exceeds our fears. Our international conference “Rethinking Liberalism — Challenges to Liberalism in Turbulent Times” took place just days before Trump’s second inauguration, in the third year of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine and overshadowed by the electoral successes of right-wing populists across of Europe.
Ukraine’s membership bid taken on real momentum since the country applied for EU membership in the early days of the full-scale invasion. Though Ukraine’s track record is generally positive, the devil is in the details. Difficult reforms, especially in the judiciary, require the attention and support of the EU and its member states.
Ten years ago, the Minsk Agreement was negotiated and signed to end the war in eastern Ukraine. Just 7 years later, Putin launched the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Diplomat Johannes Regenbrecht was involved in the negotiations and analyses what lessons can be learned.
The Center for Liberal Modernity cordially invites you to the international conference “Ukraine and Us. Where do we go from here?” in Berlin on 21 March, 2025.
Georgia’s democracy is on the brink of collapse following the fraudulent parliamentary elections in October 2024 and the violent crackdown by the ruling regime under the Georgian Dream party. In his policy brief, Sergi Kapanadze analyses how the country’s pro-European course has been derailed by systematic election manipulation and repression. His analysis includes concrete recommendations for the international community and a call to act now.
The EU accession country Moldova continues to face major security and economic challenges. Our expert, Natalia Stercul, APE, analyses the obstacles on Moldova’s path to Europe, as well as the political situation after the referendum and the presidential elections. She also warns of Russia’s increasing influence in the upcoming parliamentary elections in 2025, as the result of the parliamentary elections would have a significant impact on the country’s EU integration.
The future of Europe is at stake in the face of Russian aggression. Germany and Poland should undertake a joint effort for a new European Russia policy, finding common ground despite their entrenched differences. A new start can arise from shared insight and interests, if there is political will.
Populism is on the rise. What does that mean not only for the state of our liberal societies but also for the economy? Is economic growth thinkable under non-democratic rule? Joost Haddinga explores the interchange of the two. He is awarded first prize for his contribution to our essay competition organized by WirtschaftsWoche and Center for Liberal Modernity.
Liberal democracy is navigating through turbulent times as Donald Trump’s renewed victory as well as the strengthening of right-wing nationalist forces in Europe make clear. Democrats and liberals must come out of the defensive; the open society needs new impetus. On January 16, together with international guests, we will be discussing what ideas and policies are needed and promising.
