Lecture series in summer semester '26: Under Pressure. On democracy, trust and the public sphere.

About the lecture series

Democratic societies are currently under a variety of pressures: political polarisation, global shifts in power and digital public spheres are changing the conditions under which democratic processes function. At the same time, trust in institutions, media and political actors is increasingly faltering.

The lecture series looks at these developments and questions the stability and sustainability of democratic systems. In four lectures, renowned experts will shed light on different perspectives - from fundamental questions of political practice to international developments and the dynamics of digital radicalisation.

The series invites you to analyse and discuss the central challenges of our time in a scientifically sound manner: How is the public sphere changing? What does trust in democracy depend on? And how can democratic structures be secured and further developed under changing conditions?

All lectures will take place at 18:30 in the Audimax, Sanderring 2. Barrier-free access via the north entrance on Sanderring, lifts to the 1st floor

Admission is free. Please register by e-mail to gsik@uni-wuerzburg.de.