Young people, activists of civil society, analysts, and politicians note: So many things went wrong in political decision-making and democratic representation. So many people in Germany and the U.S. share the conviction 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 presidential elections in the U.S. and after Federal elections in Germany? Were promises fulfilled, did fears come true, were hopes transformed into reality? Who is represented and who feels left behind? We will compare the situation in both countries, address the differences and common points. 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 identity as “American” and Germans? 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 coherence within society? Who is working in this field and what kind of success do they achieve? 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:    

This 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.