For some time now, anti-democratic forces have been gaining strength in Germany and around the world. They are closely linked to racism, antisemitism, Islamophobia, sexism, climate change denial, neoliberal policies, as well as growing anti-intellectualism and nationalism. Academic freedom is also coming under increasing political pressure.
This lecture series examines these developments from various perspectives, addresses the vulnerability of democratic principles, and strengthens the university as a place of open dialogue. It is aimed at university members and the interested public and focuses on the causes and forms of threats to democratic societies.
Summer Semester 2026
Dates:
Wednesday | May 6, 2026 | 18:15 -20:00 | Rotunde, University Bremen:
Prof. Florian Meinel (University Göttingen)
“The Partiality of Neutrality: On the Political Function of a Contested Legal Principle”
Tuesday | May 19, 2026 | 18:15 - 20:00 | Rotunde, Universität Bremen:
Prof. Rahel Jaeggi (Humboldt University Berlin)
“The decline of democracy.”
Donnerstag | May 28, 2026 | 18.30 - 20 Uhr | Weserburg Bremen:
Prof. Dagmar Herzog (CUNY, New York)
“The New Fascist Body.”
Organized by the University of Bremen, WOC International Guest Professorship 2026 & Professors Against the Right
Wednesday | June 10, 2026 | 18.15 -20 Uhr | Rotunde, University Bremen:
Prof. Andreas Petrik (University Halle)
“How Do We Stop the New Fascism? A Resilient Democracy
in Schools and Universities from a Political Education Perspective.”
This lecture is hybrid. Please contact noellenprotect me ?!uni-bremenprotect me ?!.de for the Zoom link.
Organisation by Prof. Dr. Yasemin Karakaşoğlu and Prof. Dr. Andrea Muehlebach