NOVEMBER 1, 2024
Federalism, Democracy, and Populism: the German Case
Werner Reutter (Humboldt University)
Friday, 509 O'Brian Hall
Noon Reception; 12:30 Presentation
Option to attend via Zoom, here.
Presentation Abstract: Germany has always taken pride in the fact that it has an effective antidote to populism and authoritarian tendencies. We have always considered Germany to be a 'wehrhafte Demokratie“' or 'militant democracy'. And federalism was part of that concept. However, I will argue that federalism is part of the problem. It provides gateways for populist parties to undermine the very functioning of German consensus democracy and the rule of law.