Talking Politics and Society Again: Reengaging with Fellow Citizens

The belief in democracy and democratic institutions is waning. Political malaise, populism and radicalization are widespread. Everywhere in the Western world not only newly arrived, but also native citizens need to be integrated in the social and political fabric. Hans Blokland discusses projects starting courteous conversations again with citizens on politics and society, and addresses the underlying ideas on democratic deliberation. Why do we need dialogues about what holds our societies together? How can we counter antagonism, alienation and radicalism? How can we build meaningful discussions about values and beliefs? And are people always right about their interests and goals?

Hans Blokland (Prof. Dr.) is director of the NGO Social Science Works in Potsdam. He taught political science, sociology and philosophy of science at Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and held the Corelio-Chair for Media and Democracy at Free University Brussels, and the Alfred Grosser Chair in sociology at Sciences Po in France. He was a fellow of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences and held visiting positions at Yale University and Manchester University.