Whom can we trust?

Young people, civil society activists, analysts, and politicians report: So much went wrong in political decision-making and democratic representation. So many people in Germany and the U.S. are convinced that things must change. For us, this change begins with asking: What makes democracy work? In this project, we will provide answers to this question by addressing four issues:

1. Democracy in crisis: Did anything change after the presidential elections in the U.S. and after the Federal elections in Germany? Were promises fulfilled, did fears come true, and did hopes turn into reality? Who feels represented, and who feels left behind? We will compare the situation in both countries and address the differences and things in common. We will speak with politicians and decision-makers. In simulation games, we will experience how democracy works.

2. Society drifting apart: What drives society apart? How do we describe our identities as “American” and „German“? Where do we experience racism and (subtle) structures of discrimination? We will look at politics, civil society, and our family biographies. Thereby we will explore the impact of large-scale politics on our personal experiences.

3. Making dialogue possible: What do we need to strengthen social coherence? Who works in this field, and what do they accomplish? In field visits, we will see projects and initiatives on anti-racist work, study inclusive approaches and learn from practical exercises how to take a stand.

4. How do we want to live: What can we do to establish trust in politics? Where is our place in civil society? What makes diversity work? We will develop follow-up activities and concepts for the future.

Knowledge transfer: It is not just about a two-week interdisciplinary seminar. The impact of this project will thus go far beyond the duration of the actual seminar program.