Inter­na­tional Rethinking Liberalism Confe­rence: Challenges to Liberalism in Turbulent Times

Location: 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 (!): Your regis­tration is only valid after receiving a confir­mation of registration.
Film and photo recor­dings will be made at the event. You agree to their subse­quent use by attending the event.