Inter­na­tional Rethinking Liber­alism Conference — Challenges to Liber­alism in Turbulent Times

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. 

Invitation to the Inter­na­tional Conference

16 January 2025, 09:30 bis 20:00 h
Allianz Forum Berlin
Pariser Platz 6 
10117 Berlin

The current state of liber­alism is a cause for great concern. The most recent and most conse­quential example of the dominant illiberal swing is the stunning comeback of Donald Trump in the United States. Right-wing populist forces are in government in Italy, Slovakia, Hungary, the Nether­lands and many other countries. Countries like Poland, where a national-populist government has been voted out, are the exception. To get out of the liberal defensive, there needs to be a better under­standing of the causes of the crisis of liberal democracy and the rise of populism. Furthermore, fresh ideas are needed on how liberal democracy should be renewed to regain support domes­ti­cally and inter­na­tionally. Key questions we want to discuss:

•  Do the insti­tu­tions of democracy need to be reformed, and the possi­bil­ities of democ­ratic partic­i­pation expanded?
•  How can the perfor­mance of liberal democ­racies be improved in the face of huge political, economic and ecological challenges?
•  How should they deal with core issues on the populist agenda – such as the issue of migration?
•  What follows from the concept of a “robust democracy” – and how do we avoid slipping into an author­i­tarian logic in the name of defending freedom?
•  How should liberal democ­racies deal with the new systemic conflict with author­i­tarian powers, especially China and Russia?
•  Which gaps and malde­vel­op­ments in liber­alism itself contributed to its crisis?
•  How can liberal democrats counter the “politics of emotions” of populist actors?

On January 16, you can expect a full day of inspiring discus­sions and lots of room for networking with liberal minds from various countries. We are looking forward to welcoming you to Berlin!

Note (!): Please register using the button below. Your regis­tration is only valid after you have received a regis­tration confirmation.

Film and photo recordings will be made at the event. You agree to their subse­quent use by attending the event.