There is a widespread sense that the early 21st century, our own time, is torn between two world orders, one in decay, the other not yet established, or not yet understood. The crises of Western democracies, growing polarization, a new aristocracy of the super-rich, and populist revolts against all kinds of elites and the return of widespread political violence, are symptomatic of powerful forces tearing apart a world that seemed stable. But which powers are the driving forces behind these phenomena? How important are migration, economic globalization, new wars and new alliances, digitalization, smartphones, and artificial intelligence in this mix?
Ivan Krastev grew up in a time of revolution in Bulgaria and has made it his life’s work to understand what drives revolutions and how to protect and encourage liberty in a rules-based order. Series host Philipp Blom is fascinated by turning points in history and believes that our present may be the biggest of them all. Ivan Krastev and Philipp Blom discussed the social, cultural, and political tensions that may well end democracy and usher in autocracy, and what can be done to strengthen both individual potential and social cohesion in times of crisis.
Ivan Krastev is IWM Permanent Fellow and chairman of the Centre for Liberal Strategies.
Philipp Blom is a historian and the author of several novels on politics and philosophy. He also works as a radio presenter, documentary filmmaker and public lecturer.
The discussion was held in English.
