Democracy at a Crossroads? Reflections and Dialogue on Populism and Civic Responsibility

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In recent European elections, we have seen a surge in support for political parties on the populist and more extreme spectrum, both on what has historically been seen as the “Left” and the “Right.” This follows a decades-long pattern of political resorting, and a stated frustration with citizens with the status quo.

This session of our Democracy Engagement Dialogue Series will offer some perspectives on this phenomenon, drawing from past, recent and upcoming elections in countries like Germany, France, Italy and the United Kingdom. What are the possible causes for this polarization? Where have traditional and more established parties failed? What attracts people to populist positions? How does this fit within a wider global political landscape?

Following a presentation from Dr. Philipp Kneis, we will open our space up for dialogue and critical investigations in a non-partisan setting that should allow us to consider perspectives for democracy and citizenship in a polarized age.

Dr. Philipp Kneis teaches cultural and political theory at Oregon State University, Fielding Graduate University, and the University of Tübingen. He holds degrees from Humboldt University Berlin and the University of Potsdam, Germany. Growing up in East Germany shaped his lifelong interest in democracy, political theory, human rights, global diversity, and European integration. For more than twenty years, he has organized the Transatlantic Students Symposia, bringing students together to explore civic education, democracy, cultural trauma, and environmental policy. Dr. Kneis is a member of Fielding Graduate University’s Climate Dialogue Group and currently researches utopian political thought while pursuing creative work in poetry, music, photography, blogging, and video production.

More Information

For more information, contact:

Daniel Pascoe Aguilar
Founding Director, Center for Social Justice, & Chief Diversity Officer
Excelsior University
dpascoeaguilar@excelsior.edu

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