lehr.salon

Alexander Gallas (Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences) In 1863, Abraham Lincoln gave a concise definition of the democratic ideal: “government of the people, by the people, for the people”. But how does this ideal square with life under capitalism? And where in society is democracy present or absent, and how can it be strengthened? Chair: Michael Keaney (Metropolia University of Applied Sciences Helsinki)

Michael Keaney (Metropolia University of Applied Sciences Helsinki) In 1975, the Trilateral Commission published an analysis of Western countries’ “ungovernability” or “excess” of democracy. Today, few would argue seriously that there is an excess of democracy. Nevertheless, ungovernability is more widely acknowledged amid a profound and deepening crisis of legitimacy. Whereas 50 years ago a powerful organised labour movement demanded greater workplace representation or industrial democracy, 2026 is characterised by a pervasive and intensifying social insecurity. Predictable recourse to nationalism and militarism, appeals to imagined glorious pasts, and assignment of blame to convenient scapegoats all offer, at best, temporary distraction, but ultimately serve to deepen popular discontent. How did we reach this historical moment? And what is to be done? Chair: Alexander Gallas (Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences)