Successful Launch of the “Demokratie braucht Diskurs” Event Series
On April 2, 2025, the five state universities in Mannheim launched the “Demokratie braucht Diskurs” event series. Under the title “Democracy Put to the Test: Who Determines the Discourse?” experts from political science, media and communication studies, computer science, and law discussed the pressing challenges facing democracy today. With a full Fuchs-Festsaal at Mannheim Palace, the kick-off event highlighted the importance of open dialogue for a thriving democracy.
Insights from Science and Society
Following a welcome address by Prof. Dr. Heiko Paulheim, Vice-Rector for Digitization, Equality, and Diversity at the University of Mannheim, Karsten Kammholz, Editor-in-Chief of Mannheimer Morgen, moderated the discussion. The panel featured:
- Prof. Dr. Svenja Behrendt (Public Law), who emphasized the relationship between democracy and fundamental rights and the crucial role of legal frameworks in shaping public discourse.
- Prof. Sabine C. Carey, PhD (Political Science, University of Mannheim), who explored shifting public perceptions of human rights in her talk “Human Rights in the Crossfire?” and examined the potential risks for democracy.
- Dr. Philipp Müller (Institute for Media and Communication Studies), who analyzed how media structures contribute to the rise of right-wing populism.
- Prof. Dr. Heiko Paulheim, who discussed the impact of AI-driven recommendation systems on opinion formation and democratic discourse.
The event underscored the essential role of universities as hubs for debate and critical reflection. The audience actively engaged in the discussion with thought-provoking questions and contributions.
The Discourse Continues
The “Demokratie braucht Diskurs” series will continue over the coming weeks with further compelling events. On April 7 at DHBW Mannheim, experts will explore strategies for navigating escalating discussions constructively. This will be followed by a session on April 9 at Mannheim University of Applied Sciences, focusing on critical thinking and democratic action. The series will also highlight musical and cultural perspectives on democracy, with events on April 23 at the University of Music and Performing Arts and May 27 at the Popakademie Baden-Württemberg.
For more details and the full program, visit „Demokratie braucht Diskurs“.