Talking Politics and Society Again

1. Why did you choose this topic?

Around the world, democracies have come under pressure due to a lack of political participation, competencies and knowledge. Political malaise, populism and radicalization are widespread. To counter this, we need dialogues in all kinds of social settings about what keeps our societies together and what we want to achieve in a world that increasingly seems to get out of democratic control. However, we need not only theoretical analyses, but also practical tools to make a difference.

2. What new perspectives does your book offer?

This book provides a basis for much needed deliberations. What forms are possible to achieve which goals? How can we build up meaningful discussions on values and beliefs? Are people always right about their interests and goals? How to take people seriously despite questioning their reasoning? Additionally, the experiences gained by the NGO Social Science Works in numerous deliberative projects are examined. The plight of democracy in Germany and beyond is thereby made poignantly clear.

3. What makes your topic relevant for current research debates?

Too often, research is limited to a description of the existing predicament and there is no room for an informed prescription of the direction in which we should move. Similarly, there is rarely attention to analyses of attempts to bring normative ideals closer. This book attempts to do just that. The practical experiences made with numerous deliberative projects help form the basis for this. The question is how we can generate and apply useful knowledge to improve the state we are in.

4. Choose one person you would like to discuss your book with!

Charles E. Lindblom.

5. Your book summary in one sentence:

A diligent reflection on the state of our democracies and political competences, and on what needs to be done to create a brighter democratic future.